The iPad Mini 5 was expected to come out during Apple's October event, but since the year is about to end and the company remains mum about the highly anticipated device, latest report suggested that the updated version of the iPad Mini lineup will be released in March 2017 together with the iPad Pro 2.

According to Macworld, "despite having seen the release of previous iPad mini versions in October and November," there were no other information suggesting a 2016 release. Therefore, the source concluded that the new iPad is projected to be launched in March 2017," the same time frame of when the iPad Pro was released (31 March 2016)."

However, there were reports stating that if Apple's first event in 2017 happens towards the end of March, it is highly possible that fans don't get to witness the latest iPad Mini on Apple Store shelves until sometime in April.

Moreover, rumors are rife that the iPad mini 5 will be rebranded as the iPad Pro mini which is an entry-level option to Apple's iPad Pro lineup. This has yet to be verified.

Meanwhile, the new tablet device is expected to sport a 7.9-inch retina display with 7000-series aluminium chassis which will make the iPad Mini 5 robust and long-lasting compared to its predecessors.

It is said that the device will be thinner and lighter with 5mm thick or 1mm lesser than the previous model of iPad Mini.

Rumors have it that the most-awaited Apple device will run an A9 or A10 chipset which is way better than the iPad Mini 4 coupled with 3 GB of RAM.

Other features include 3D Touch technology and might likely come out with dual-camera with 8-megapixel rare camera and 1.2-megapixel FaceTime camera. In addition, it is rumored to pack a smaller battery and a 32 GB, 64 GB and 128GB storage options.

The tablet is also said to be waterproof and dust resistant with a more improved stylus Apple Pencil and a microSD card slot.

Some reports suggested that it will come out with a Pink color option including Rose Gold, Glossy Black and Jet Black as an addition to the Silver, Gold and Space Gray hues.

Furthermore, "the iPad mini 5 will come with iOS 10 pre-installed, and this is sure to add a raft of new features and some tweaks to the interface design," as reported by Macworld.

The device is said to be the cheapest iPad ever released by the company since it has been rumored that it will not have a major overhaul.

Apple is yet to give their official statement regarding the long overdue iPad Mini 5.