The iPad mini 5 will reportedly skip Apple's highly-anticipated launch event later this month. The tablet is not even expected to turn up this year.

While it will make sense for the Cupertino-based software giant to come out with the device a year after the iPad mini 4 was launched, Apple is not expected to release iPad-related hardware this year.

This October, the company's focus will reportedly be on the Mac line. Apple is all but confirmed to launch the new MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and iMac on Oct. 27.

According to trusted KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who shared his research notes on the tech firm's plan for its iPad line, Apple will release a new tablet by next year.

The iPad Pro 2 and the all-new 10.5-inch iPad Pro are expected to be unveiled early 2017, along with a "low-cost" iPad that has a 9.7-inch screen.

Kuo also had something to say about Apple's 2018 offerings in the tablet department, which will involve "radical" and "revolutionary" changes in design. There was no mention of the iPad mini 5, though.

According to reports, Apple is going for an all-iPad Pro tablet lineup this year, which is why some media outlets have resorted to referring to the purported new iPad mini as the iPad Pro mini.

This will also explain why the iPad Air 3, which was a no-show last year, is no longer expected to be released, according to reports.

It is also being pointed out that the lack of credible leaks and reports pertaining to the existence of the iPad mini 5 is another indication that it is not in the works.

Additionally, Macrumors suggests that the iPad mini 5 could be no more as Apple might be building up Plus versions of its iPhones as its replacement.

At the moment, there is no clear detail about the iPad mini 5's purported release. Despite this, rumor mills still provide information on the specifications, which include a 7000-series aluminum chassis and a thinner but more durable build.

As for the release date, the iPad mini 5 is expected to be released March 2017 with the iPad Pro 2.