There have been rumors that the iPad Mini 5 will no longer be included in the upcoming 2017 iPad launch. However, there have been speculations that the mentioned model will instead be renamed as the iPad Pro Mini.

Ming-Chi Kuo, a securities analyst has once again aired his take on the upcoming launch of iPad models next year. He said that Apple will probably release two iPad Pro sizes, the new 10.5 inch and the 12.9 inch. The Cupertino Company will also launch in 2017 a budget priced 9.7 inch iPad Pro model.

The analyst made no mention of any iPad Mini 5 coming up next year. Some industry observers speculate that the iPhone plus models may have offered stiff competition to the iPad Mini, according to Mac Rumors.

The report suggests that Apple is trimming the number of its iPad models which possibly includes the iPad Mini and iPad Air lines in order to improve its sales and eliminate any competition between its various products. Kuo however, is pessimistic that Apple's 2017 sales figures will improve. He said that the only way for Apple to recover its finances is by launching smartphones and tablets that will capture the fancy of its customers. The analyst thinks that such scenario is possible in 2018.

Still, there are others who think that the iPad Mini 5 will be repackaged as the smallest version of the iPad Pro series, according to PC Advisor. Such rumor is possible considering that the iPad Mini is about 7.9 inch.

The iPad Mini 4 was released on September last year. Some are speculating or hoping that any upcoming iPad Mini 5 or anything close to it will be launched this September. Unfortunately, Apple has not yet officially confirmed if it is indeed shutting down the iPad Mini model. The iPad Min 4 though, is still available for sale.