This article brings up some valid points. The new iPads sounds like rehashed old models with a new number. Apple is getting lazy. Perhaps it's because they've been experience lagging sales and don't want to put the time and money into creating something entirely new?
Apple’s New iPad Mini and iPad Air Are Seriously Underwhelming | Digital Trends
It has taken Apple four years to get around to updating the iPad Mini line, but the new iPad Mini is virtually identical to its predecessor. It’s joined by a confusing iPad Air with no obvious target audience. Is Apple just trying to sell us lazy updates to dated designs?
DIGITALTRENDS.COM