Previous speculations suggested that the iPad Mini 5 will launch this month. However, the slate was absent in Apple's keynote launch this week. It is rumored that the tablet will likely make it early next year, together with the new iPad Pro 2 lineup.

According to Gamenguide, it is likely that the Cupertino-based tech giant has chosen the recently-concluded keynote launch to focus on its new laptop lineups. This means that the expected iPad Mini 5 will be released together with other Apple tablets, the next iPad Pro models. Speculations suggest that the iPad Pro 2 will launch in the expected early 2017 press launch.

Meanwhile, the industry follower also noted that there is also a high chance that Apple will merge the Mini series with the new iPad Pro, as the tech giant has been known to hint that streamlined, simpler lineups are expected to come next year. Should this happen, it is likely that fans will be looking into an iPad Pro Mini, along with the rumored three variants for the iPad Pro 2.

Apple has yet to confirm the rumors, although the absence of another tablet may already be a hint. Aside from the iPad Mini 5, fans are also expecting that the iPad Air 3 will come out. However, after supposed delays in release, Apple has yet to come out with details on the slate.

With a consolidated lineup, the upcoming iPad Mini is said to be a miniature version of the iPad Pro, serving as an entry-level iteration to the iPad Pro 2 lineup. Supposed specs and features include an A9X chipset, at least 3 GB of RAM, and 32 GB of native storage. The new iPad Mini is also said to come out with a streamlined design, as Apple will make the slate thinner and lighter than its predecessor, the iPad Mini 4.