Apple's alleged tablet, the iPad mini 4, is said to bear close resemblance with the iPad Air 2.

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.

Listed below are the latest rumored specs and features about the iPad mini 4. Note that these are all unconfirmed by Apple at the moment.

Design & Display

Sentinel Republic claimed that the iPad mini 4's appearance will be based on the iPad Air 2. The mute/orientation switch will be removed, with expectations of a thinner body and a single row of speaker holes instead of two.

Tipster @OnLeaks posted several photos of an iPad mini 4 silicon case on Twitter. The case features cutouts on the bottom to accommodate the tablet's Lightning connector and two cutouts for its speakers, volume button, and rear camera, Tech Times noted.

RAM, Processor, & OS

Sentinel Republic claimed that the iPad mini 4 will run using the latest version of the iOS 9 when the tablet releases. According to Tech Times, the device will be powered by the A9 processor, M9 co-processor, and 2 GB of RAM.

As for its release date, Tech Times speculated that the iPad mini 4 will be released in the fall along with the iPad Air 3 and 12- to 13-inch iPad Pro.

9to5Mac reported that Apple quietly removed the original iPad mini from its website and stores. The first iPad mini was originally launched in October 2012 and showcased an industrial design also used in the iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 3. The iPad Air and iPad Air 2 also bears the same design.

The first iPad mini's discontinuation "leaves the remaining iPads as a completely 64-bit family, all using either A7 or A8X processors rather than the iPad mini's aging A5," 9to5Mac wrote. All the remaining iPad models now have Retina displays and unified W-Fi + Cellular variations.

Refurbished iPad minis, however, are still available from the Apple Store starting at $209, the news outlet added. In addition, new iPad minis can still be purchased at third-party resellers such as Amazon until stock lasts. iPad minis are available at Groupon for $180 while Walmart offers 50 percent discounts for the device. Best Buy's CowBoom has used models available for $115, 9to5Mac reported.