For four straight years, Apple never failed to launch a version of the iPad Mini, except this year. Fans were disappointed as no new version of the Mini was announced during Apple's last event held on September 2016. However, anticipation and excitement arose as another event is scheduled to happen on October 27, which gives high hopes of a new iPad Mini unveiling.
On a recent post, rumored specs have been spreading on the internet for the new Mini. It is highly possible the next version will become the iPad Pro Mini. Although, fans are still speculating on what to expect with the new version since the 7.9-inch of display, found on current Minis, may be too small for productivity. Predictions of a new 10.5-inch iPad are also out, which is more likely to be the new iPad Pro, given its larger screen size.
Rumors also mention new features that will be included on the next line of iPad Pros, such as 3D Touch, also found on the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus; IP68 protection, a rating used to determine the level of water resistance a device is capable of, the iPhone 7 is IP67 certified; Apple Pencil, if Apple decides to make the iPad into a Pro, then a stylus is likely to be included; and iOS 10, the latest operating system version of Apple for its mobile devices.
However, speculations of a new iPad Pro, not Mini, are also possible. Fans are expecting a 10.5-inch version of the iPad Pro. The screen size will be the inbetweener from the two current models, the iPad Pro 12.9 and the iPad Pro 9.7.
Market analyst Ming-chi Kuo stated that the 10.5-inch version would sell well to both the education and business sectors. One speculation is that there will be no new update or feature on the new iPad Pro besides having the additional screen size an available option for consumers.
Apple will hold an event on October 27 and will hopefully end the speculations by announcing the new iPad Pro 2, iPad Pro Mini, or simply the iPad Mini 5. Otherwise, fans of Apple's iconic tablets would have to do some more waiting.
