Apple iPad Mini 4 Release Date, Specs, Rumors: CAD Render Leaks, Hints Super Slim Body & 8MP Camera

Aug 12, 2015 06:18 AM EDT

Apple is expected to launch its fresh lineup of mobile devices along with a next-generation Apple TV during its annual event this September. Now, rumor has it that the Cupertino-based company already has the new iPad Mini 4 in store. If recent rumored photos are to be believed, the upcoming tablet could be the thinnest model yet.

A leaked computer-aided design (CAD) render considered to be that of the iPad Mini 4 has just been posted on Twitter by user "@OnLeaks." He accompanied it with a video showing the dimensions for the unannounced tablet claiming that it is just 6.1mm thin, which is notably slimmer than the 7.5mm profile of its predecessor.

For perspective, the iPad Air 2 has the same thickness and if proven to be correct, it means that the iPad Mini 4 will be thinner than the current-gen iPhone 6S. Aside from the similar dimensions, the upcoming device is also said to pack a more powerful 8-megapixel main camera as well as an anti-reflective coating.

When the tech giant released the iPad Mini 3 last year, Phone Arena noted that most fans of the portable tablet were disappointed. It's because the only significant change that it offered was the addition of a Touch ID fingerprint scanner aside from the heavily marketed inclusion of the Retina display.

If these CAD renders are indeed correct, they support previous speculation suggesting that the iPad Mini 4 will both have the thinner dimension and design elements of the iPad Air 2. Other reports also pointed out that the device might come with Air 2's internal specs such as an A8 chipset and 802.11ac Wi-Fi connectivity.

@OnLeaks apparently works for NoWkereElse.fr, a French tech site responsible for leaking information about yet-to-be-released devices. He is considered to be a generally reliable source since he had previously given out correct leaks about the iPhone 5S and iPhone 6.

Along with the iPad Mini 4, Apple is also speculated to unveil a new iPad Air 3 and an iPad Pro with a larger 12.9-inch display that could come with a special stylus.

Apple has yet to disclose any detail about the compact tablet's official release date. The company was historically known to launch new iPad models in October, but if recent rumors are any indication, it may officially unveil the new iPad Mini 4 next month.

Apart from its tablet range, we also expect Apple to reveal the iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus during a launch event on September 9.