iPad Mini 5 release date, specs and news: Device rumored to come out March 2017

A lot of Apple enthusiasts were expecting an update on the iPad Mini 5 during Apple's event last Oct. 27, but the date has come and gone with no news about the device. Rumors, however, are saying that the device is most likely to come out in March 2017 and it is said to have the same specs as the iPad Pro 2.

According to Apple Insider, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says that the iPad Pro 2 will come in three different sizes. One will be a 9.7-inch tablet, the other 10.5 inches, and the last being 12.9 inches. The largest one is said to be a top-tier variant compared to the smaller models. Since the iPad Mini 5 is said to have the same qualities to the Pro 2, fans should expect some similar variants as well.

Some speculate that the reason for the tablet's absence during the keynote event in October was because Apple wanted to focus on their upcoming laptops. The iPad Mini 5 is expected to be released at the same time as the new incoming iPad Pro 2, and rumors are even suggesting that Apple is planning to merge the two products.

The move to merge the products are said to be done so that Apple will release some simpler lineups in the coming year. If this were to happen, fans may be looking at an all new iPad Pro Mini along with three variants of the iPad Pro 2 in March.

Apple has yet to confirm any speculations but some have already noticed the lineups that have not been updated by the company in years. A lot of people are wondering about the release of the iPad Air 3, but since the device hasn't been updated for a while, some are guessing that Apple has decided to discontinue the series.

The iPad Mini 5 is expected to be released this coming March 2017.