Apple has not announced the release of an update version of iPad Mini. The Cupertino-based tech giant has been silent with regard to this lineup. However, speculations are rife that the company will soon release an iPad Mini 5, with a 2017 launch date possible. Keynote events from the company have already come and gone, with the September launch event for iPhone 7 being the latest. Still, there was no iPad Mini iteration in sight, but rumor has it that more details about the tablet should be available later this year until early in 2017.
There have been reports that iPad Mini 5 will be launched sometime this month, considering that older models had been released within October and November. As noted by MacWorld UK, there aren't any reports or leaks that suggest the mini tablet should arrive within this year. Therefore, it is speculation that iPad Mini 5 should be released in March 2017 at a keynote event where iPad Pro was introduced. There were even rumors suggesting the mini tablet will make its debut alongside iPad Pro 2.
As for the specs and features, it is widely reported that iPad Mini 5 will boast of a 3D Touch technology. It could ship with a preloaded iOS 10 or possibly an upgraded operating system, the iOS 11, which is expected to come out in 2017 as well. An A9 processor is likely onboard for the new mini tablet, but others suggest that the improved device will have a much faster and more efficient processor in the form of the A10 chipset. The next iteration is also expected to retain the 7.9 inch screen display of the current model, as previously reported by GamenGuide. However, there are rumors suggesting that three variants of the tablet will come out : a 9.7-, 10.1- and 12.9-inch models.
As of the moment, Apple has yet to confirm all the rumored specs and features of the iPad Mini 5, let alone its existence. Fans should wait for more updates on the said device. Since the tech giant hasn't announced anything just yet, it's best to take the reports with a grain of salt.