Apple's iPad Mini 3 release date may already be lurking around the corner, after recent price drops on its predecessors, the iPad Mini and iPad Mini 2.

The first generation iPad Mini is offered $100 off from retailers while iPad Mini 2, with Retina display, is available at $20 to $30 off.

For instance, the iPad Mini 16GB is now priced at only $199 at Best Buy – a $100 price drop from its regular $299 price. The $199 price is the lowest price offered for any of Apple's mini tablets. This non-retina first generation iPad Mini comes in space gray and white variants.

Target is giving the same amount discount for the original iPad Mini, and a smaller price drop for the iPad Mini 2, costing $369.99 instead of the original $399.99.

Meanwhile, the Apple Store has previously taken $30 and $20 off its iPad Air and iPad Mini Retina respectively, in an educational promo.

The Cupertino-based company also offered refurbished iPad tablets which were previously defective devices that have been fixed.

Buyers usually prefer to purchase the second generation iPad Mini with Retina, as its impressive features and specs are offered with good price tags. However, the diving price of the first generation iPad Mini is attention-getting and very attractive to consumers.

Apple also offered discounted tablets during its recent Father's Day sale.

The price drop of Apple's iPad tablets and mini tablets can be a hint of an upcoming iPad Mini 3 release date. However, there is also a possibility that the such a device will not come at all.

With Apple releasing its first and second generation iPad Minis over two successive years, there is a strong likelihood the iPad Mini 3 release date is due this year.

iPad Mini 3 rumors suggest the device will feature an A8 processor, TouchID sensor, waterproof features and, of course, the newly-unveiled iOS 8.