iPad Mini 3 To Get ‘Mini Air’ Name, 30 Percent Thinner Design: Rumors

A new rumor has tipped a lighter design and a fitting new name for the next iPad Mini tablet,GForGames reports.

The leak reportedly comes from Chinese media, which suggests the Mini 3 will feature a significantly thinner body - 30 percent to be exact - and a name name: the "iPad Mini Air." Furthermore, the report claims the Mini Air will be powered by the rumored Apple A8 chip that has also been suggested for the iPad Air 2.

However, Cult of Mac calculates that the bit about the device's 30 percent thinner design is unlikely, given the current Retina Mini model is already only 0.29 inches thick.

So while these are certainly enticing updates, you may want to take them with a grain of salt, for now.

See Also: iPad Mini 3 With Retina Concept Is Stunning

Analyst Ming Chi-Kuo previously noted that he believes that the Mini 3 will release earlier this year than its predecessor did last year (November), likely coming out in late Q3 instead of Q4. He also offered up specs expectations for the device, suggesting that Apple will include an A8 chip built by TSMC, Touch ID fingerprint security and an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera.

Rumors about Touch ID's debut on an iPad have been tossed around basically since the release of the 5S and it would make sense for Apple to add the useful feature into its next wave of tablets, especially with reports suggesting Apple is looking into launching its own mobile platform, in which case, Touch ID would be utilized for mobile payments.

The tablet was also spotted once before in iOS 7.1 code alongside the rumored iPad Air 2.

What do you make of the Mini 3 with Retina Display's Mini Air moniker? How about the rumors of an Apple A8 and a thinner design? Let us in on your thinking with a relevant comment.