Rumors suggest that a new iPad mini is on the horizon, and a supposed case for the tablet shared by Indian blog 91Mobiles today points towards few outward design changes beyond a center-positioned rear microphone. The blog attributes the photos to Slashleaks contributor Sudhanshu Ambhore.
Beyond the centered microphone, the case is consistent with the iPad mini 4 design, including two speakers and a Lightning connector along the bottom, a headphone jack and power button along the top, volume buttons along the right side, and what appears to be a circular, single-lens rear camera.
The case, if accurate, corroborates information shared by OnLeaks and Japanese blog Mac Otakara, both of which heard that the so-called iPad mini 5 will look virtually identical to the iPad mini 4. In other words, this could amount to a mere spec bump, including an upgraded processor per analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
However, it's worth noting that there have been a few conflicting iPad mini rumors, including photos of a model with a redesigned antenna band and an earlier case with cutouts for four speakers and a pill-shaped opening appropriate for a rear camera with a LED flash positioned below it like the 9.7-inch iPad.
Apple is set to host a media event on March 25 at Steve Jobs Theater, but BuzzFeed News reported that a new iPad mini and next-generation AirPods are "unlikely to make an appearance" during the keynote. Instead, Apple is widely expected to introduce subscription-based video and news services.
If the new iPad mini is not unveiled during the event, it could be announced via press release, which would be fitting if it is merely a spec bump. Rumors also point towards minor refreshes to the 9.7-inch iPad and iPod touch.
The iPad mini 4 was released in September 2015 and remains available for purchase starting at $399 in the United States.
