Apple iPad Pro 2 Release Date, Specs, Rumors: Will It be the End for iPad Mini 5?

Numerous speculations about the iPad Mini 5 specs and release date surfaced when no new iPad was unveiled in Apple's September 7 event. Rumor has it that the device would sport features that are similar to those of the iPhone 7 and that it will be released alongside Macbook Pro 2016 later this year. However, none of these assumptions might turn out to be true as the Apple iPad Pro 2, which is expected to get a March 2017 release date, is rumored to end the highly successful iPad Mini line.

According to HNGN, iPad Pro will come in three variants: 12.9 inches to continue the iPad Pro line, 10.5 inches (new), and 9.7 inches to continue the iPad Pro 9.7 line. Different processors are expected to power these three options. A10X chipset will power iPad Pro 2 12.9-inch and 10.5-inch, while A9x chipset will power iPad Pro 2 9.7, the most affordable among the three variants. iPad Pro 2 9.7-inch and 10.5-inch target education sectors as well as business-related sectors and industries. A more developed Apple Pencil is likewise expected to help the iPad Pro 2 with its goal.

Meanwhile, it was highly anticipated that iPad Mini 5 would be unveiled alongside iPhone 7 and Apple Watch Series. While such speculation was proven false, Neurogadget reported that another surfacing rumor says that instead of iPad Mini 5, the upcoming device would be named the iPad Pro Mini. The latter was speculated to continue the iPad Mini line.

On the other hand, popular analyst Ming Chi-Kuo was not surprised that iPad Mini 5 was not unveiled during the September 7 event.  According to him, Apple is only keen in the growth and development of the iPad Pro family.

The discontinuation of iPad Mini is yet to be confirmed as of writing. But apparently, this is bad news for users who opt for the device due to its convenience.

Stay tuned to SWR for more updates and latest news on Apple iPad Pro 2 release date and specs.