The rumors about Apple's iPad Mini 4 all point to one certainty - the tablet will be a huge upgrade over its predecessor, the iPad Mini 3.

Observers and users of the iPad Mini 3 have both claimed that the device's performance and design weren't stellar, adding that the tablet was essentially an iPad Mini 2 with a few tweaks and upgrades. Venture Capital Post wrote that the Touch ID technology was the only notable feature added to the tablet.

According to critics, the iPad Air 2 even performs better than the iPad Mini 3 because of the former's "slimmer, faster, and more secure" features, the news outlet added. International Business Times said that the iPad Mini 3 faced tough competition against other tablets with the same features it has but offered in a lower price. So it's understandable why techies and users alike have high expectations for the iPad Mini 4.

Here are the rumored specs and features of the iPad Mini 4. Note that these are all speculations for now and official news from Apple is yet to be announced.

Specs & Features

According to CrossMap, the iPad Mini 4 would have a slimmer design than the iPad Mini 3, adding that the gadget is expected to be the slimmest tablet when it comes out in the market. The news outlet also claims that the iPad Mini 4 will have a lock/mute switch with its microphone hole.

For the screen size, the iPad Mini 4 is said to come at 7.9 inches and will run using the latest A9 processor, CrossMap wrote. The iPad Mini 3 also has a 7.9-inch screen size but with an A7 chipset processor and 64-bit desktop-class architecture, GSM Arena noted.

If the speculations are to be believed, the iPad Mini 4 could sport a 2 GB RAM, a definite upgrade over its forerunner's 1 GB RAM. The increased RAM space will contribute to a better video call and video conference experience, CrossMap wrote.

A separate report from Venture Capital Post claimed that the iPad Mini 4 will have the iOS 9, as well as the Touch ID technology and Apple Pay support for better security for both of the tablet and the user's online purchase. The iPad Mini 3 also has the same features, but is equipped with the iOS 8.

Price

There are no concrete speculations about the iPad Mini 4's price yet, but Venture Capital Post reported that the tablet will be sold lower than the iPad Mini 3. The latter currently has a $399 starting price, Apple's official site noted.

Release Date

CrossMap estimated that the iPad Mini 4 could be unveiled by October this year, judging by the tech giant's pattern when it comes to releasing their latest products. The iPad Mini 3 was announced in the same month last year.