The iPad Mini 5 has long been awaited by many tech junkies since its predecessor was launched in more than a year now. Though there has been no official statement from Apple yet, latest reports suggested that the highly-anticipated device is set to be released next year.

It is rumored that Apple is still concentrating on their MacBook Pro, which is projected to come out within this year, which is why the iPad Mini 5 is not making its way soon.

According to Macworld, since there was "No new iPad mini announced at Apple's event on 7 September 2016," this "suggests that the new mini 5 will be released in March 2017."

The source added that there were no "further leaks or any information suggesting a 2016 release." Which made them "expect the new iPad to be released in March 2017, the same time frame of when the iPad Pro was released 31 March 2016."

Moreover, features and specifications of the new tablet device are circulating online.

The iPad Mini 5 is expected to sport a 7.9-inch Retina display similar to its predecessor with 7000-series aluminum shell to make the tablet durable and robust.

It is also rumored to be slimmer at only 5mm which is 1mm thinner compared to its predecessors. The thinner design, however, might be achievable by the use of a smaller battery.

In terms of its camera, the new iPad Mini 5 is speculated to be out with an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 1.2-megapixel front facing camera with True Tone Flash technology that is for higher quality videos and photos.

The iPad Mini 5 is said to have an A9 or A10 chipset coupled with 2GB of RAM and 16 GB of internal storage capacity. It is also anticipated to be available with memory options of 64 GB and 128 GB.

The new tablet is likely to have a screen with 3D touch technology. This feature is also present in the iPhone 6 and iPhone 7.

Furthermore, the much-awaited tablet is said to have an added waterproof feature with IP68 certification and might be priced around $364 to $729.

Apple is yet to give an official statement about their new tablet device, the iPad Mini 5.