The original iPad mini was a brilliantly designed tablet, but it was let down by a low-resolution screen and outdated internals which were taken from the iPad 2. The mini 2 fixed those problems and the mini 3, reviewed, merely added a Touch ID sensor and the option of a new colour: gold. Here we've collected the rumours about the forthcoming iPad mini 4.

See also: the tablets launching in 2015 you should be most excited about

iPad mini 4 release date

Apple has released all three iPad minis in late October or early November, so there's every chance it will do the same with the mini 4. However, there's a possibility it will launch in June or July if it's announced alongside the heavily rumoured iPad Pro (or iPad Plus).

The reason behind this rumour is that the iPad mini 3 was a very minor update to the mini 2 and Apple may decide to bring the launch of the next model forward for a 'proper' update. We this it's unlikely, though.

iPad mini 4 price

Usually it's fairly easy to predict the price of a new iPhone or iPad, but Apple might not stick with the £319 base price of the iPad mini for the fourth version. Tablet sales are falling, so it may opt for a sub-£300 price to make the entry-level model more tempting.

Currently, we have an unusual situation where all three iPad mini models sell side by side in Apple stores, starting at £199 for the original and £239 for the mini 2. When the iPad mini 4 launches, we're sure Apple will remove the first two models from the lineup and offer the mini 3 at a discount (possibly £239) and start the mini 4 at £299.

iPad mini 4: features and specifications

Right now, there are few - if any - leaked images which show the casing or any components of the forthcoming iPad mini. Speculation suggests that it will be slimmed down, just like the iPad Air 2, using a laminated screen.

Having the front glass bonded to the display would be a major improvement for the iPad mini, not simply because of the reduced thickness. For one thing, it cuts down on internal reflections, and it also makes the tablet feel more solid.

We particularly hope that Apple will add the anti-reflective screen coating which - for some reason - the iPad mini 3 didn't get.

The chances of a significant redesign are unlikely, though. Unless Apple goes with curved edges like the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, or changes the screen size from the 7.9in it uses currently, the iPad mini 4 could look a lot like its predecessors.

What's much more certain is that the iPad mini 4 will get a processor upgrade, most likely to the A8X used in the iPad Air 2, plus 2GB of RAM. This would give it a considerable performance bump with minimal effect on battery life.

Whether or not the iPad mini 4 will follow in its big brother's footsteps and ditch the mute / rotation lock switch remains to be seen.

We'll update this article when new rumours surface.