Apple is continuously churning out new offerings in its lineups, and the iPad mini is no different. Rumored to be unveiled in March 2017, the next iPad mini 5 is also expected to arrive without the physical home button of which everyone has grown accustomed to.

The absence of a physical home button has been rumored on other Apple offerings, but it was first seen on the iPhone 7. According to reports, since the Cupertino tech giant has already adopted this on one device, it only makes sense that all other offerings will follow suit. Plus, the new iPad mini 5 is expected to be more durable and robust, since consumers take their gadgets everywhere.

As previously reported, the iPad mini 5 is rumored to be much thinner and sleeker than all previous iterations. Apple seems to be going for the ultra-thin look and shaves off a few millimeters with every offering that becomes available. And since Apple's iPad lineup is already thin enough, fans have begun to wonder how the company will achieve the thinnest one of all.

Apart from the home button being incorporated directly into the base of the iPad mini 5, it is also believed that the 3.5-mm headphone jack will be removed. This is another feature that was absent when the iPhone 7 was released, so it would come as no surprise if Apple decides to do this with all of its future devices. Some people have complained about the lack of a headphone jack, while others are completely fine with the lightning port as a substitute or using wireless headphones instead. 

The iPad mini 5 is also rumored to have an A9 chipset under the hood with the latest iOS 10 powering the tablet. 3D Touch technology is also speculated to be on board, as well as a 5,124 mAh battery. However, given its thin aesthetic, many have raised their eyebrows on decreased battery quality.

Apple is rumored to launch the iPad mini 5 at an event that will take place in March.