The highly rumored release of the iPad 5 and iPad Mini 2 is making rounds again and this time, reports point to a launch date that could be much earlier than the expected release of the iOS 7.

According to the International Business Times, initial reports say that the iOS 7 may arrive on September 18 following the 100-day launch date similar to the iOS 6.

Using this timetable as a guideline and the usual difference between an iOS 6 launch and the launch of new iPads, the 2013 models of the Apple tablets could arrive either this month or on September 18 itself.

Latest predictions claim that the Cupertino tech giant will release the iPad 5 and iPad Mini 2 in July, even before the iOS 7 becomes available for download. This could well be confirmed by recent reports that the iPads are now ready for mass production pending a July launch date.

Apple says that the overhauled software for the iPhone and iPads will be ready in the fall, while giving no specific date for the release. Early buzz from beta-testers of the Jonathan Ive-inspired mobile operating system says that the software is further along than expected and could be ready for download by the end of summer.

The company, known for its strategic release dates, has always tied its iPhone releases to the new version of the iOS.

The iPads are usually released in the spring, creating a six-month gap between the actual announcement of the new tablet models and the iOS release.

Rumors garnered by the Business Times say that the iPad Mini 2 will have a screen with a resolution of 2048 x 1536. If its true, the screen would have four times the resolution of the present iPad Mini and will be equal to the fourth generation iPad, which was released along with the iPad Mini last year.

AU Optronics has been rumored to be making displays for the iPad Mini 2.

Other specs reported is that the iPad Mini 2 will include a more powerful dual core A7 processor and a 7.9 inch screen. It will also feature a 10-hour battery life, a FaceTime HD camera, as well as an iSight camera with 1080 pixels HD video recording.

The company, according to rumors, is also aiming to reduce the thickness of the iPad Mini 2 by using the Sharp IGZO (indium gallium zinc oxide) technology in its screens.

The newest iteration of the bigger tablet, on the other hand, is said to have no bezels, with the whole form factor made sleeker. Analysts say that the design indicates that Apple will be calling on Sharp’s IGZO screen technology to accomplish its technical objective. And although some say that Sharp is struggling to deliver on Apple’s demands and timetable, having the components on time will be crucial in the release of the next iPad, according to the Business Times.

In keeping with company tradition and policy, Apple does not comment on products under development.