Jan 20, 2017 07:25 AM EST By Avery Robbins, UniversityHerald Reporter

There are reports that suggest iPad Mini may be discontinued for several reasons.

Will Apple kill off iPad Mini?

It's been reported that Apple might not update the mini line and focus on to boost the new tablets sales, AppleInsider reported. To put into perspective, iPad Mini 4 is currently $399 with an old A8 chip under the hood. It's been updated in 2015 but there has been no further details about its future.

3 New variants of iPad Pro 2

The talks point to the discontinuation of iPad Mini due to the new Pro model. It can be argued that Apple may introduce the smallest variant of iPad Pro as the base model, according to Technobuffalo.

The claim came initially from reputable tipster Ming-Chi Kuo. The KGI security analyst said that there will be three new iPad Pro tablets coming this year.

The likelihood of a new iPad Pro replacing iPad Mini is great judging from what Kuo has mentioned regarding the sizes. The smallest iPad Pro 2 will be a 9.7-inch tablet with A9 chip whereas the bigger ones are designed for high-end segment as they rock A10 chipset. Production of these iPads is said to start this quarter.

And ever since Bloomberg reported about a new Apple Pencil; the news coverage has put it to the limelight and deeply buried the information on iPad Mini. In fact, there's no legitimate word or leak that could suggest the specs or unveiling schedule of Apple's smallest tablet variant. That being the case, it is probably safe to assume that Apple indeed won't be updating the Mini variant. Or, like the tech crowds have been questioning so far - will it come up with a brand new line, an iPad Pro Mini?

iPad Pro released without Mini

Due to the late production schedule, BGR has learned that the release date of the iPad Pro 2 is delayed until Fall.

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