iPad Mini 2 Rumor Roundup

Apple's AAPL iPad Mini 2 is expected to be unveiled in October. Now that Microsoft MSFT and Amazon AMZN have unveiled their tablets, what can consumers expect from Apple's long-awaited upgrade? iPhone 5S Color Scheme Gold, silver and space gray -- the colors that helped make the iPhone 5S look so appealing -- are expected to accompany the iPad Mini 2 at launch. This could mean that the old color schemes -- black and white -- will be eliminated. Earlier rumors claimed that the iPad Mini 2 would adopt the same colors as the iPhone 5C -- pink, blue, green, yellow and white. Higher Resolution, But Not Retina? While it is not yet clear if Apple will use the "Retina" name in promoting the iPad Mini 2, one thing seems to be certain: the display resolution is about to get an upgrade. AU Optronics AUO is reportedly manufacturing a 7.9-inch display with a resolution of 2,048 x 1,536 and a pixel density of 324 ppi (pixels per inch). This is a big bump over the original iPad Mini, whose resolution was limited to 1,024 × 768 pixels at 163 ppi. AU Optronics' new display has not been confirmed for the iPad Mini 2, but the 7.9-inch size is fairly specific to Apple. Touch ID It seem that the iPhone 5S is having a big impact on the iPad Mini 2. In addition to the color scheme, the iPad Mini 2 is rumored to adopt the Touch ID security feature introduced in the iPhone 5S. More Storage The fourth-generation iPad is one of the few tablets available with 128GB storage. That could change when the iPad Mini 2 arrives. Believe it or not, there is a rumor that the next-gen Mini could receive 128GB worth of storage. The 16GB, 32GB and 64GB models would be available as well. More Power This one sounds like a long shot. The iPad Mini 2 may actually be as powerful as the iPhone 5S -- but only if it receives the A7 and M7 processors. This would make it the world's first seven-inch tablet to deliver a 64-bit processor. Related: Apple's 64-Bit iPhone 5S Processor Delivers An "Order Of Magnitude" Difference Improved Camera Last but not least, the iPad Mini 2 is expected to come with an eight-megapixel rear-facing camera. Disclosure: At the time of this writing, Louis Bedigian had no position in the equities mentioned in this report. Louis Bedigian is the Senior Tech Analyst and Features Writer of Benzinga. You can reach him at louis(at)benzingapro(dot)com. Follow him @LouisBedigianBZ