The iPad mini 5's purported release remains up in the air, but there remain a lot of rumors about Apple's purported next-generation tablet.

It has been more than a year since its predecessor was released. The iPad mini 4 was launched in September last year, which is a month earlier than usual.

With no sign of the iPad mini 5, fans are starting to worry about the tablet line. It is not expected to be released in Apple's upcoming launch event on Thursday, Oct. 27.

According to reputable KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, new iPads will be released next year — the new iPad Pro 2, a 10.5-inch variant, and a 9.7-inch low-cost iPad.

He did not mention the iPad mini 5, but rumors have it that it is still pegged for an early 2017 launch along with the above-mentioned tablets.

According to reports, Apple will change the device's name to iPad Pro mini to reflect the new nomenclature for its upcoming tablet offerings.

There have been no leaks or concrete information when it comes to the iPad mini 5, which is considered to be a sign that it may not be in production yet or that Apple has no plans to continue the line.

But as per the latest reports, the iPad mini 5 is getting major upgrades from Apple in the form of both software and hardware bumps, making it the best in its lineup yet.

It is being said that it will be much thinner than its predecessor with the Cupertino-based tech firm believed to slash 1.1mm from the iPad mini 4's 6.1mm build.

Despite the slimmer body, users won't have to worry about the durability as Apple is expected to use the 7000 aluminum series, the same material used on the iPhone 6 and 6S line.

This should make for a stronger and resilient build, which will allow the iPad mini 5 to deliver the best of both worlds in the design and stability department.

However, with the standing of the iPad mini unclear over at Apple, it is advised to take these reports with a grain of salt.

Macrumors posits that the iPad mini line is possibly slowly being replaced by the iPhone Plus models. The iPhone 6S Plus sales significantly lowered the demand for the tablet, so it might be possible that the Apple wants the consumers to go for the large iPhone instead by removing the iPad mini option.