One of the things missing from the Apple iPhone 7 launch event was the iPad Mini 5. The tech giant was expected to launch the small device at the event. Apparently, the company narrowed its focused on the new iPhone 7 smartphone and the Apple Watch Series 2. However, despite previous iPad Mini 5 rumors about Apple killing off the mini tablet, the new model is still in the works.
As per latest iPad Mini 5 rumors, the Cupertino-based company might release a new variant in the first quarter of 2017. Fans are expecting the new Apple iPad Mini 5 to be much more powerful than its predecessor. Speculation has moved away from the new iPhone to the next iPad iteration. Apple is expected to come up with a thinner iPad Mini 5, in sync with the new iPhone design. It might also use a Lightning port and ditch the 3.5 mm jack. Here’s what we know so far:
Specifications
According to Christian Post, the iPad Mini 5 is going to be a 9.7-inch tablet. Also, it is going to be released as iPad Mini Pro. The rumored specs include a 7.9-inch display with Retina display. It is going to be powered by a more powerful A9 processor with 12-core 7th generation PowerVR graphics. It will be supported by 3 GB of RAM with internal storage options from 32 GB to 256 GB. Apple has removed the 16GB variants across all its iPad models, making the 32GB storage a new standard. The 64GB variant might also be absent from the new model.
The iPad Mini 5 is expected to be equipped with an 8MP rear camera and a 1.2MP front camera. It is likely to come with a 5,124 mAh battery.
Design
According to MacWorld, the iPad Mini 5 design is expected to see a noticeable change. In terms of built, the iPad Mini 5 is expected to have a Series 7000 aluminum casing, similar to the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus. This means the new tablet will be thinner, lighter and more durable than the iPad Mini 4. It is expected to be 5 mm thick. Apple is also going to add a Rose Gold version of iPad Mini 5.
Despite negative reactions, Apple might stick to its new design changes. In sync with the iPhone 7 design, the iPad Mini 5 is also going to ditch the 3.5 mm headphone jack. This means the iPad Mini 5 will be dust and water-resistant.
AirPods Again?
The lack of 3.5 mm headphone jack also means Apple might also bring its Bluetooth wireless headphones to the new iPad Mini 5.
Features
As per iPad Mini 5 rumors, the iPad Mini 5 is expected to sport some cool new features. It is expected to come with a pressure-sensitive 3D touch technology – ‘while Force Touch allows a device to distinguish between various pressure levels of touch, 3D Touch is basically a more sensitive, faster version.’ The iPad Mini 5 is expected to come with iOS 10 operating system.
Release Date & Price
The price of the upcoming iPad Mini 5 still remains unknown. However, the new tablet is expected to see a jump. As for release date, the new iPad Mini 5 is expected to come out later this year or early in 2017. We will have to wait for Apple’s official statement.
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