Fans have been waiting for a new iPad Mini follow-up since last year. Speculations suggest that the wait will be worth it, as the iPad Mini 5 will reportedly have features akin to those of the new iPad Pro lineup.
According to Gamenguide, the iPad Mini lineup usually has its specs sheet a step below that of the latest iPad slate release from Apple, which is expected to be the iPad Air lineup. However, there is still no confirmed appearance from the rumored iPad Air 3. This leads to speculations that the next 7-inch iPad may be a smaller version of the new iPad Pro, and may well be dubbed the iPad Mini Pro.
Earlier this year, instead of the much-awaited iPad Air 3, the Cupertino-based company came out with the 2016 edition of the iPad Pro. It is the smaller counterpart of the original professional-level slate, as its display measures 9.7 inches. This has been a surprise for many, since it has the same dimensions as the iPad Air series. Some even ventured into speculating that Apple may be retiring the iPad Air lineup, and will concentrate instead on the iPad Pro.
Since a new iPad Air flagship has yet to be confirmed, it is rumored that the specs sheet for the iPad Mini 5 will be taken from step-down features of the 9.7-inch iPad Pro 2016. Essentially, the new 7.0-inch slate will become the Mini version for the iPad Pro lineup.
Supposed specs of the upcoming iPad Mini include 3D Touch technology. There will also be improvements in its design, making it lighter and slimmer due to advanced specs. Since Apple is reportedly doing away with the 16-GB option for its new products, the iPad Mini 5 will have a base 32GB onboard storage, with options for 64GB and 128GB models. In addition, as part of its design revamp, new Apple products will supposedly do away with the 3.5 mm standard audio jack, instead going for a Lightning-type connector for sounds. This feature is said to be coming out to the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. Since the new iPhone lineups will reportedly launch at around the same time as new iPad products in September, it is said that the new iPad Mini may also do away with the standard audio port.
