A miniature iPad that mimics the design of the iPhone 5 and an October 17th launch date are the latest additions to the one-year-long iPad mini rumor mill. But a reputable news organization confirms that the Tim Cook-led Apple is shortly releasing an iPad mini despite previous pronouncements by the late founder Steve Jobs that Apple would never release a more compact version of the 9.7-inch iPad. The Wall Street Journal, citing sources within Apple's supply chain, reported that production for a 7.85-inch iPad has begun. Fortune's Phillip Elmer-Dewitt, citing multiple sources, claims that Apple would be sending invites October 10th for an October 17th iPad mini press event. Other sources claim that the iPad mini would have an anodized aluminum backing that is similar to the iPhone 5 and a nano-SIM tray for 3G or 4G LTE connectivity.
What Else You Need To Know
- In order to keep the price down, the iPad mini is not expected to have the same specs as the high-end iPad 3. The resolution on the iPad mini is expected to be lower than the new iPad's 2048 x 1536 Retina resolution display.
- The entry level third generation iPad, which has a 9.7-inch display, is sold for $499. The 7-inch Nexus 7 and the Kindle Fire, the most popular tablets following the iPad, are priced starting at $199.
Other sources
The 7.85 inch iPad Mini has been rumored to be ready for launch for a while now and everything pointed towards an October release.- Rado Iorga, Tablet News
The smaller device will be set to be released with a lower price, of course, competing then with the mini-tablet segment that’s cropped up over the past year.- Chris Burns, SlashGear
- Tech Radar
- Rumor: New iPad may go widescreen
- TN
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Apple Places Massive Carbon Fiber Order, Preparing for iPad Mini?
We may see an iPad Mini with a back that resembles the Motorola Droid RAZR, but that’s only a speculation, born from the fact that there’s no other handset/tablet maker with such a material choice, as far as I know.
- iPadInCanada
- Apple Working On A Widescreen (16:9) Next Generation iPad [Rumour]
- TN
- 4th Generation iPad Could Feature Widescreen Display
- iPadInCanada
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Another Physical Mockup Of Purported iPad Mini Hits The Web [VIDEO]
Japanese website Macotakara has published a video of what appears to be another physical mockup of the much rumored iPad Mini. Just like the previous hands-on video of a purported iPad Mini, this one also reveals a Lightning port on the bottom of the device, a headphone jack on the top, thinner bezels, metallic backplate and dual speakers.
- Mashable
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Does This Video Show the iPad Mini?
If this video is accurate, the iPad Mini will serve as a middle-ground between the iPhone or iPod Touch and the current iPad -- it's expected to measure approximately 7.85 inches.
- TN
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iPad Mini Physical Mockup Gets Caught on Camera, Handled (Video)
The 7.85 inch iPad Mini has been rumored to be ready for launch for a while now and everything pointed towards an October release.
- TechCrunch
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Report: iPad Mini Press Event Invitations Going Out October 10
Fortune’s source says that invites are going out on the 10th of October, which might lead to an event a week later if it keeps with tradition, putting a launch event on Oct. 17. Sales could begin within a week of that, if it follows the iPhone 5′s schedule, meaning it’ll be on shelves in time for holiday.
- iPad mini event invites rumored for October 10th
- SlashGear
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iPad mini event invites tipped for October 10th
The smaller device will be set to be released with a lower price, of course, competing then with the mini-tablet segment that’s cropped up over the past year.
- More...