Though Apple still hasn't confirmed reports on the iPad Mini 5, it seems like the rumor mill has begun spreading word that the mini tablet may see release in 2017.

According to a report by Game N Guide, word has it that Apple may introduce the newest model for the iPad Mini during its keynote event in March next year. Allegedly to undergo a change in its name, the iPad Mini 5 has been rumored to take on the iPad Pro brand instead after reports have started claiming that Apple would discontinue the iPad Mini series. If true, the iPad Mini 5 may be renamed to iPad Pro Mini as it shares the stage with the highly anticipated iPad Pro 2 at the special keynote event next year.

MacWorld reports that the iPad Pro Mini was expected a while back during the Cupertino-based tech mogul's October event this year, however, the mini tablet failed to see release during Apple's programs. Rumor has it that the iPad Mini 5's delay is because of Apple starting from scratch on the new mini tablet. Though the previous iPad Mini installment had a lot of great features, it didn't have any edge in design. Now, fans hope that the delay of the iPad Mini 5 could be an updated design for the tablet.

Speculation claims that the iPad Mini 5 along with the iPad Air 3 would be sporting an even thinner frame than their predecessors, all of which came at 6.1 millimeters. The two gadgets would bear a thickness of a meager 5 millimeters, .6 millimeter thinner than the current Samsung Galaxy Tab S2.

Other rumors on the iPad Mini 5's specs include an updated chassis for the device. Made out of 7000-series aluminum like Apple's iPhone 6 Plus and the iPhone 6, it seems like the upcoming tablet woud be even more durable than its predecessors, preventing the gadget fom bending over.