iPad Mini 4 Thinner by 1.4 Millimeters? Release Date, Internal Specs & Price Tipped! [Rumors]

A leaked rendering of the iPad mini 4 suggests that the tablet will be significantly thinner than its predecessor.

Users have been disappointed over the iPad mini 3 when it was released last fall. According to Sentinel Republic, the changes in the device didn't hold much significance, given that the tablet still has the same processor and RAM as its predecessor, with only the Touch ID sensor technology serving as an upgrade. With this consumer dissatisfaction, it's highly expected that Apple will release a better iPad mini the next time around.

Images and videos shared by tipster @OnLeaks showed the iPad mini 4 at 6.1 millimeters thick, putting it at 1.4mm thinner than the iPad mini 3, which measures at 7.5 millimeters, Apple Insider wrote. The rendering of the tablet also displays similarities to the iPad Air 2.

In April, @OnLeaks also showed the rumored chassis of the iPad mini 4, a separate report from Apple Insider added. The housing showcases a cut-out at the top that will contain a cellular LTE modem. The bottom part of the chassis features a port for a Lightning connector, alongside 10 holes on each side dedicated for stereo speakers.

A reliable source from the company, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, said in a note to investors that the upcoming iPad mini will be a smaller version of the iPad Air 2, BGR reported. This news goes in line with @OnLeaks' image renderings.

iPad Mini 4's Other Features

Some rumors also indicate that the iPad mini 4 will have the same internal specifications as the iPad Air 2, such as the A8 processor, an 8-megapixel camera, and 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Apple Insider listed.

According to Japanese-language Macotakara blog, as translated by a separate report from BGR, the iPad mini 4 will have significant improvements over Apple's past tablets. The new enhancement said to be included in the device includes a more glare-friendly screen display. Mashable added that the iPad mini 4 could also get a laminated screen.

Release Date & Price

Apple Insider speculated that the iPad mini 4 will be priced at $400. Mac Rumors wrote that the tablet will likely be released at Apple's next major keynote scheduled on Sept. 9, which is said to unveil the next iPhone handsets and iPad Air as well.

Mashable added that Apple's upcoming press event could also see the announcement of a slimmer Apple TV with a touchpad-based remote.

It should be noted that these are all unconfirmed at the moment and Apple is yet to issue an official announcement regarding the iPad mini 4.