iPad Mini 5 Specs, Release Date: Apple Rebranding Device As iPad Pro Mini; To Sport A9 Chipset, 3GB RAM [RUMOR]

Apple Inc. is planning to overhaul its iPad Mini series starting with the 2017 releases, revamping the series into a new iPad Pro Mini variant. The device will be an entry-level tablet and will sport an A9 chipset and 3GB of RAM.

With the company's March 2017 event signifying the release of its new devices, Apple's tablet lineup will be launched alongside the latest unit of the iPad Pro 2. Recent news also suggests that Apple will refresh the tablet series, naming the unit as "iPad Pro Mini."

For its tablet products, Apple will concentrate on the iPad Pro series, and will rebrand all its succeeding iterations. Following the discontinued brands, the iPad Pro 2 will be expanded with a new 10.5-inch variant. In addition, it is reported that the iPad Pro 2 lineup will add a smaller version.

According to Today, the supposed iPad Pro Mini will serve as a smaller iPad Pro, an entry-level complement to next year's lineups. As a smaller variant of the iPad Pro 2, the iPad Pro Mini is expected to come along with an A9 chipset and at least a 3GB of RAM. It will also be equipped with an M9 motion coprocessor.

Guide reported that the device might come with an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 1.2-megapixel front camera. It will also sport a 7.9-inch Retina IPS display, integrated with a 3D Touch encapsulated by an aluminum chassis that will make the iPad more durable than its preceding unit.

Reports indicate that the next iPad iteration will be available in three storage variants. iPad Pro Mini will probably include a 32GB of storage, upgrading from the 16GB version of the iPad Mini 4. It will continue with even larger storage capacity options, a 64GB unit and a 128GB unit.

Information remains unclear if the 2017 release for the iPad Mini lineup with be the last while subsequent releases will be rebranded as iPad Pro Mini, or if Apple will discontinue the 7-inch product series completely. So consumers should eye Apple's keynote event in March 2017 where the iPad mini 5 and the iPad Pro 2 are suspected to be finally unveiled.