Investors and consumers alike are disappointed with the limited stocks of current Apple tablets and the delayed release date of the iPad 5 and iPad Mini.

Investors and consumers feel frustrated with the delayed announcement of the next iPads couple with the low supply of the previous models of the tablet. Some resellers reported that they are already out-of-stock of iPad 4 and iPad Mini. Consumers are expecting of the imminent release of their successors. However, Apple hinted that Apple devices will be launched later this year until early next year.

Giant retailer Walmart now offers current iPad models with up to $30 less and hints the imminent release of iPad 5 and iPad Mini 2.

According to Stabley Times, Walmart offered discounts on the device and is currently running out of stock of various iPad configurations. The combination of slashing prices on a popular product while simultaneously running out of that product is proof saying that a new version will come soon.

Walmart has slashed its retail prices on the entry level iPad mini from $329 down to $299, with higher end iPad mini models also receiving the same thirty dollar price cuts and some of the full size iPad models seeing similar price cuts.

Many Walmart retail stores have begun running out of the higher capacity iPad mini models altogether. Stabley Times cited one Walmart retail employee saying that replacement inventory has been slow to come of late, signifying that he does not expect the depleted stock of the 64 GB mini in particular to be restocked any time soon.

There are speculations that the depleting stocks of current iPad is also due to the declining sales of the tablet. Many consumers chose not to buy the previous models due to the rumours of the imminent release date of the tablets' successors.

According to reports, iPad Mini 2 will feature a screen with a resolution of 2048 x 1536. This is almost four times the resolution of the present iPad Mini and is equal to the fourth generation iPad which was released along with the iPad Mini last year. AU Optronics has been rumoured to be making displays for the iPad Mini 2.

Other specs include a more powerful dual core A7 processor and a 7.9 inch screen. It will also feature a 10-hour battery life, a FaceTime HD camera, and an iSight camera with 1080 pixels HD video recording. Apple is also trying to reduce the thickness of the iPad Mini 2 by using the Sharp's IGZO (indium gallium zinc oxide) technology in its screens.

The iPad 5, on the other hand, is rumoured to have no bezels, and the whole form factor has been made sleeker. Horowitz believes this design indicates that Apple will be calling on Sharp's IGZO screen technology. Sharp, however, according to Horowitz, has been struggling, and its ability to deliver components on time will play a key role in the release of the next iPad.

Apple's CEO Tim Cook recently confirmed that no new Apple products will be released before fall 2013. However, the sudden disappearance of previous iPads tells consumers otherwise.

According to reports, iPad 5 is set for release in October; while the iPad Mini 2 will be released in Christmas. Apple may have decided to make a solo launch for both tablets due to the popularity of iPad Mini. The device was well-received by consumers in many parts of the world.