Almost three and a half years after releasing the iPad mini 4, Apple is reportedly preparing to unveil a new diminutive tablet, possibly alongside a 10-inch or so direct sequel for 2018’s sixth-generation “standard” iPad with a 9.7-inch screen.

But proving the market has evolved at a snail’s pace since 2015, the iPad mini 5 is expected to “follow the design” of its ancient forerunner, according to information collected from “several accessories makers” by Japanese blog Macotakara.

These typically reliable sources claim everything from the Touch ID fingerprint sensor to the ...