iPad Mini 5 Specs, Features & Release Date: Tablet Coming Out This Year With A Thinner Design, 3D Touch, & Waterpoof? [Rumors]

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Tablets are the new trend today because they have wider screens, which make gaming, reading and browsing more enjoyable. Apple's iPad Mini is among the most popular tablet in the market. For iPad Mini fans, a new iteration is coming.

There are speculations that iPad Mini 5 will soon be arriving. In fact, Apple retailers gave huge discounts for iPad Mini 4 a week ago.

According to Inquisitr, Apple Insider authorized the retailers to knock the prices down for iPad Mini 4 and some MacBook models. This triggers the rumors that newer versions will soon be arriving.

So, what can fans expect in iPad Mini 5?

According to Macworld, the next iteration of iPad Mini might sport the following specs, features and design.

Design

There are speculations that iPad Air 3 and iPad Mini 5 will come with a thinner frame than their predecessors, at just 5mm. This is possible, given that Samsung's Galaxy Tab S2 is already 5.6mm thin. Meanwhile, there are rumors that the new device will sport a new chassis, a 7000-series aluminum similar to that of iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus. These chassis will make the tablet more durable, especially if it arrives with a thinner frame.

Features

Apple already rolled out the 3D Touch pressure-sensitive screen tech in its iPhone 6s and 6s Plus lines. Reports suggest that this feature is not yet ready for iPad Air 3 this spring. However, that will only be a matter of time. Apple can roll out the said feature in the next iteration of iPad Mini in autumn. Though this is not yet confirmed, many are looking forward to this feature in the iPad series.

Apple's iPad Mini 5 will be waterproof and dust-resistant, Cult of Mac predicted. There are also speculations that it will be pre-installed with iOS 10 unless it arrives in summer, which is unlikely.

Specs

iPad Mini 5's slimmer frame will come with a smaller battery. The battery unit may have a lower capacity than the 5,124mAh component used in iPad Mini 4. However, with its superior battery technology, it will still match its predecessor's real-world battery performance.

Apart from this, it is expected to arrive with 8MP rear camera and 1.2MP front-facing camera for FaceTime. It will also house an improved A9 processor for improved speed and graphics.

Many are hoping that iPad Mini 5 will end the 16GB iPad and that Apple will offer it in 32GB, 64GB and 128GB models instead.

Release Date

Initially, iPad Mini, iPad Mini 2, and iPad Mini 3 were all launched in October Apple event. The iPad Mini 4's unveiling last September was a mild surprise. There are chances that iPad Mini 5 will come in autumn 2016 and, more likely, it will arrive in September as well.