It was previously rumored that Google would be launching a refreshed Nexus 7 slate at this year's I/O conference. However, the event has come and gone without any glimpse of the new tablet. Speculations suggest that the 2016 Nexus 7 will instead launch in the latter part of the year, with Asus as its maker.

According to The Bitbag, the new Nexus 7 is said to be the showcase product for the new Android N platform. However, Google is still in the testing stage of the upcoming OS version, and reportedly, there are at least two more developer preview versions before the reveal of the full version of Android N. This places the reveal of the platform's full version to be happening in August. It is expected that when the full version of Android N is released, one of the first devices to showcase the new platform is the 2016 edition of the Nexus 7.

Meanwhile, the industry follower reported that Asus is rumored to be interested in making the new Nexus 7 slate. This stemmed from an interview with the company's chairman, Jonney Shih. Last year, the Asus executive said, "Even [the second-generation Nexus 7], we moved to the full-HD screen, and we still believe in this kind of beauty. It still makes sense. But then the next one actually takes a lot of discussion."

Google has yet to provide details on which company will be its partner in making the refreshed Nexus 7, although Asus may indeed be one of the candidates on top of the list. The tech manufacturer has had successes in the Nexus lineup and is in fact the maker of the original Nexus 7 when it launched in 2012. The company also released a second-generation Nexus slate the following year.

Aside from Asus, other likely candidates for the new Nexus products include Huawei and HTC.