iPad Mini 5 release date news: Rumors point to September launch; features to include 3D touch?

[photo: Commons Wikimedia/Apple]

Every year, Apple releases a new device in their iPad mini line. With that, a lot of people speculate that their newest product, the iPad Mini 5, will be released this coming September.

The reason for this, according to PC Advisor, is that last year Apple unveiled their iPad Mini 4 a month earlier than usual, and distributed their events more evenly. It's expected for this company to follow the same pattern this year, with the March launch event revealing the iPad Pro 9.7 and the iPhone SE. The WWDC event is within a couple of weeks now, following the same schedule in 2015.

Moreover, the iPad Mini 4 was immediately sold to the market after its announcement last year, which didn't follow Apple's tradition of waiting for a week or so before releasing the iPad Mini to their consumers.

The rumors surrounding the iPad Mini 5 extend not only to its release date but also its possible appearance and features. Game N Guide detailed some of the possible features this highly anticipated device has to offer. 

First off, it's expected that the latest iteration for the iPad Mini will be thinner. It could be possible that this device will only be 5 mm thick. After all, its rival, Samsung, was able to make the Galaxy Tab S2 near this measurement, so the feat isn't impossible for Apple.

Other possible features include processor upgrades, smaller batteries and 3D touch. However, another interesting rumored feature is its 7000-Series aluminum framework, which actually augments its durability and gives off a more premium feel. A lot of fans feel like this chassis should be in the next generation of iPads since the latest iPhone models have it as well.

With that, it could be possible that the iPad Mini 5 will be sold at a starting price of $399 for a 16GB model, but without Apple's official announcement, all these will remain rumors and predictions.