Apple iPad Mini 5 release date, news & update: A9 chipset may compensate reduction in battery capacity

Apple fans were very optimistic that the iPad Mini 5 would be released along with iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. They were disappointed. iPad Mini 4 was launched in September 2015.

Fresh reports suggest that Apple is working on a new iteration of the iPad Mini and that the Cupertino-based company will launch the iPad Mini 5 in March 2017. It has been reported that the highly-anticipated device will pack features similar to that of the recently launched iPhone 7.

The Apple iPad Mini 5 will reportedly have a lightning port instead of the 3.5mm headphone jack, reports The Bitbag. The iPad Mini 5 will be using the lightning port for earphone connectivity and rapid charging. Instead of a traditional Home button, Apple may be implementing a touch-sensitive Home button.

There are talks that Apple may be dropping the 16GB variant and powering the device with a 2GB RAM and Apple A9 processor. Thus, users will have to buy the 32GB variant if going for the base model. Apple iPad Mini 5 may have a 7.9-inch display, 8MP main and 1.2MP front camera.

Apple may also make the iPad Mini 5 dust and water resistant just like the iPhone 7. The device may have a smaller battery component. It has also been reported that iPad Mini 5 may have a lesser battery capacity than iPad Mini 4’s 5,124 mAh battery. However, the A9 chipset will not reduce battery life of the device.

As Apple could be ditching the 16GB variant, the 32GB model may be price at around US$450 (AU$596). The 64GB and 128GB variants will be priced accordingly between $500 (AU$663)-$600 (AU$795). However, none of the information has been confirmed by Apple. Hence, it is not known how of it is true. Most of the information is based on speculations by tech experts.