Apple iPad mini rumors roundup: little iPad likely for yearend release

July 13, 2012 | Filed under: Life & Style | Posted by:

Apple iPad mini rumors are all around. To your surprise, there were reports of a mini iPad even before the original 9.7-inch tablet’s release in 2010. As of now, a number of analysts are thinking that the Cupertino tech major will roll out a 7.85-inch edition of iPad by the yearend. But, being a fresh product from Apple’s strictly secret labs, we are still too early to talk about a mini iPad. It is known that Apple has a very strict privacy policy in place and it is almost impossible to ascertain as to what is cooking behind the high walls of Apple offices. However, many earlier products were very rightly predicted by many tech specialists in the past. This include iPad, different versions of iPhone and very recently Retina MacBook Pro.

iPad mini engineering samples leaked: Tech blog GottaBeMobile has recently published a number of images of alleged engineering samples of the mini iPad. The models depict the size and features of the proposed iPad Mini tablet. However, it is a piece of molded plastic and not a fully-functional device.

iPad mini to copy the design cues from iPod nano: As per the Japanese analyst Macotakara, the mini iPad will feature a 7.85-inch display. The device will replicate the design cues of the third generation iPod Nano. Macotakara further suggests that the tablet will not have 3G compatibility as well.

Expected for yearend release: Well, rumors have been predicting that the mini iPad will be released by the yearend. MarketWatch and Bloomberg recently reported that the tablet at work in Apple is a miniaturized form of iPad, which will possibly come out late this year. Regarding the screen size, MarketWatch suggests 8-inch, whereas Bloomberg suggests a slightly unclear 7-inch to 8-inch display.

Mass production target: According to an NPD DisplaySearch analyst, Apple is in motion with its plan for the 7.85-inch tablet. The company has reportedly ordered for large number of 7.85-inch panels from various display vendors. There is a “mass production target for it. And we know that it’s for Apple,” says the analyst.

October 2012 release date: Pacific Crest analyst Andy Hargreaves has said that the tablet is expected for release in October this year. The analyst thinks that the tablet will come with a 7.85-inch display and 8GB of internal storage. The product will be priced at $299 and it will be available for grabs in October. Hargreaves has further noted that the release of a mini iPad will cut huge sales of Apple’s usual 9.7-inch iPad by around 25 percent.

iPad mini and iPhone 5 to come together: As per Topeka Capital Markets analyst Brian White, the iPad mini will advance along with the highly awaited iPhone 5. The analyst thinks that Apple will release the devices in September itself. The analyst has depended on some Taipei local contacts for the news.

Conclusion
Well, most rumors have predicted yearend as the potential release date for the new iPad. Indeed, if the rumors are true, we can expect a highly powerful tablet from the company. There is a great chance that the tablet will mount a high power quad core processor, better RAM and more storage option. Most likely, it will have a Retina display, plus a nice form factor with a gorgeous look. Anyway, the small iPad will be a big threat for Google’s recently announced Nexus 7 Android 4.1 Jelly Bean tablet. Yes, we can expect a mini iPad Vs Google Nexus7 battle in tablet market, if Apple in fact launches its mini tab in October.

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Posted by on July 13, 2012. Filed under Life & Style. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry