What was initially thought to be a baseless rumor about the introduction of a smaller version of the iPad, has gained some credibility recently. Sources in companies that supply components for the iPad have indicated that they are getting ready to produce the necessary parts for a smaller variant of the iPad that is being called the iPad ‘Mini’ in technology circles. Media reports also indicate the possibility of a 7 or 8 inch tablet from Apple by the end of this year. If this mini version of the iPad is released, it will be the first time since 2010 that the device will have seen a change in screen size. So far, the only change in the 9.7” screen is the introduction of the Retina Display in the iPad 3.
According to sources who wished to remain anonymous, Apple is supposedly partnering with LG Display to produce the smaller screen and at the same time, indicated to manufacturing teammates to prepare themselves for mass production. This goes in sync with earlier rumors that Apple wishes to announce a new product in the third quarter of this year around Christmas time. Even from within Apple, the grapevine has it that the technology behemoth is gearing up to launch the production lines for this device. Experts in the industry have confirmed that there is a business plan for the production of a 7.85” iPad and indicated that suppliers are configuring production lines for producing the device. However, Apple has remained mysterious by claiming that such plans can always be changed.
In other reports, from Bloomberg, it is mentioned that the device will be ready by October and will be built on the same lines as the iPad 3 but will not have the Retina Display that offers crystal clear and crisp visuals. Moreover, it is very likely that the price of the smaller iPad will be close to that of the Kindle Fire and Google Nexus 7 in an attempt to gain a foothold in that market as well. Google’s tablet is priced at $199, in direct competition to the Kindle Fire and both of these will be the likely competition to the iPad mini.
On the other hand, Microsoft’s recently launched Windows powered Surface tablet doesn’t have a price tag but it is likely to compete with similar tablets, which are the iPad, the Galaxy Tab and the like.
