iPad Mini 3 Release Date, Specs: Concept Art Teases Soft And Round Edges

Jul 28, 2014 11:34 AM EDT

iPad Mini
(Reuters)

The Apple iPad Mini 3 has just gotten the concept art treatment from notable designer Martin Hajek -- offering fans a glimpse of what the mysterious device may look like.

"Based on rumors and images of the purported iPhone 6 all over the Internet I decided to do a concept study of what an iPad mini would look like with this new, soft and round iPhone 6 design 'language' slapped all over it," Hajek explained on his blog one week ago.

Over the years, Hajek has a developed a reputation for creating renderings of upcoming Apple products, usually based on the latest tech gossip as well as alleged leaks.

Hajek's iPad Mini 3 rendering was placed next to a mockup of the rumored iPhone 6. Both devices were depicted as having the same rounded edges. In contrast, the current-generation iPhone 5s and iPad Mini with Retina Display have chamfered edges.  

The iPad Mini 3 is said to be replacing the iPad Mini with Retina Display, which fans commonly call the 'iPad Mini 2'. Amongst rumored features for the new device include Touch ID fingerprint technology and the iOS 8 software.

Given its secretive nature, Apple has yet to confirm the existence of the iPad Mini 3 let alone an exact release date. In fact, the name 'iPad Mini 3' was something fans used to describe the fabled device. There is the possibility Apple may use a different name as they did for the iPad Mini 2.

Consequently, the majority of information regarding the iPad Mini 3 is based on rumors. In June, tech gossipers became excited after Apple began slashing prices on current generation devices that included the iPad Mini with Retina Display. This sparked rumors that Apple was clearing its inventory for the introduction of next-gen devices that would include the iPad Mini 3.

Earlier this year, respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted that the iPad Mini 3 will be ready by the third-quarter of 2014. Kuo has given accurate predictions in the past, and Apple will release a new wave of mobile devices this coming fall. So, Apple fans may start seeing more iPad Mini 3 news in the coming months.