iPad Mini 5 release date, specs rumors: Thinner, water-resistant iPad Mini 5 coming in March 2017?

The iPad Mini 4 was launched 14 months ago, which doesn't seem all that long but is, from the perspective of Apple fans, an eternity. As such, tech industry watchers are anticipating the imminent release of the rumored iPad Mini 5.

The iPad Mini 5 was originally expected to make its debut sometime in October. But at its Oct. 27 event, Apple made no mention of such a device — or any iPad, for that matter. Instead, it unveiled the new MacBook Pro with the innovative Touch Bar. The MacBook Pro's new Touch Bar is a touchscreen panel that took the place of the old function keys. It offers users contextual controls based on whatever app they are currently using.

Because no new iPad Mini was announced at the October and the September Apple events, MacWorld now suggests that the long-rumored iPad Mini could make its first appearance in March 2017. This is despite the fact that previous iPad Mini were all launched in either October or November. According to MacWorld, the iPad Mini 5 could break away from the standard iPad Mini release schedule and debut alongside a new iPad Pro instead.

There are currently no known details about the rumored iPad Mini 5, but Apple fans and pundits suggest that the device could feature a new chassis made from 7000-series aluminum, similar to the one in the iPhone 6s and the iPhone 6s Plus. This type of aluminum is reportedly more durable than the kind used in older iPad Minis.

Another rumor is that the iPad Mini 5 will be thinner than its predecessors. While it is unclear if shaving off another millimeter or two from the iPad Mini is even necessary, reports nonetheless claim that the iPad Mini 5 will only be 5 mm thin.

According to PC Advisor U.K., wilder speculations about the next iPad Mini include that it could come with Apple's 3D Touch tech, IP68 protection and NFC. No camera upgrades are expected for the iPad Mini 5.