Apple is finally launching a 7.85-inch version of the market leading iPad, Bloomberg News reported, citing four sources familiar with the plans. The long-rumored iPad mini will be introduced October, the reputable news site said. The report also identified the suppliers: touch-screens are supplied by LG Display and AU Optronics; the lamination coatings are being supplied by TPK Holding and Foxconn subsidiary Yeh Cheng; and although not an initial supplier, Sharp may make panels for the device in the future.
What Else You Need To Know
- The iPad mini will be priced cheaper than the iPad, which is priced starting at $499. An analyst at IHS iSuppli says the entry level iPad mini could sell at $249.
- The iPad mini will compete in the market against the well received Google Nexus 7, the Amazon Kindle Fire, and other budget tablets.
Other sources
Apple is expected to hold a press event on September 12th to announce the rumored "iPhone 5," and if Bloomberg's October prediction is true, it's likely that we'll hear something about the iPad mini at the same time.- Aaron Souppouris, The Verge
- ITProPortal
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Source confirms 'iPad mini' name
Apple has chosen to officially give its expected 7in tablet the 'iPad mini' moniker, a Japanese blogger has reported.
- iPadInCanada
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Entry Level 7.85″ iPad Mini Would Sell For $249, Says Analyst
The answer comes down to whether Apple wants to “crush the opposition” or just maintain dominance, said Rhoda Alexander, an analyst at IHS iSuppli. “And the price point would be how they do that,” she said.
- Other
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iPad mini will arrive October with 7.85-inch display, says Bloomberg
There's no indication of what resolution the iPad mini's display will be, but Bloomberg's report lines up with previous rumors of a 7.85-inch tablet
- Cell Phone Signal
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Bloomberg: The 7.85-Inch iPad Mini Without Retina Display Is Coming In October (AAPL)
For whatever it's worth, AU Optronics also makes MacBook displays, but this is the first time the company will take a swing at handheld devices for Apple.
- Chip Chick
- More Sources Confirm iPad Mini October Release, Possible Spottings In Dev Logs
- Geek
- iPad Mini launch rumored for October
- Other
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iPad Mini and iPhone 5 Displays: Sharp Falling Behind, LG and AUO Picking Up the Slack
If the rumors are true, LG and AUO will need to be on top of their game for the production rush that is sure to happen over the next few months.
- iPadInCanada
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Apple Will Use AU Optronics & LG Display Panels In iPad Mini [Report]
A smaller iPad order could boost sales at AUO, Taiwan’s second-largest flat-panel maker, with Apple selling five times as many iPads as MacBooks, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
- Tech Radar
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iPad Mini screen suppliers outed, Sharp struggles with iPhone 5 display
With a new Kindle Fire expected from Amazon next week, Apple's suppliers are busy putting the finishing touches on a seven-inch iPad - the iPad Mini - said to debut in October.
- Apple dulls reliance on Sharp for iPad mini production, taps LG and AU Optronics
- More...