A smaller version of Apple’s iPad will reportedly be called by its rumored name, “iPad mini,” according to sources for Japanese blog Macotakara. According to AllThingsD, the device will be introduced at its own media event in October, well after Apple has launched a sixth-generation iPhone in September.
Rumors of a smaller, lower-priced tablet from Apple have been building for some time, but they began to increase after the relative success of Amazon’s 7″ Kindle Fire and Google’s 7″ Nexus 7. Both of those devices hit a $199 price point, which so far seems to resonate with many consumers.
Former Apple CEO Steve Jobs scoffed at the idea of a 7″ tablet, suggesting it was too small to offer a good user experience. However, Apple SVP Eddie Cue apparently was able to convince Jobs that a smaller tablet could be worth pursuing. Apple’s smaller tablet is believed to feature a 7.85″ screen, though, just large enough to keep Jobs at his word.
While the rumored device was by convenience and convention called “iPad mini” (think iPod mini, Mac mini), Macotakara claims it will indeed be called iPad mini when it is introduced this fall. “According to Asian source, the name of Apple’s new product, which are expected to have 7.85″ and called as iPad mini, will be named as ‘iPad mini’ officially,” the site reported on Sunday.
It seems the device will also not launch alongside a new iPhone widely expected to be unveiled onSeptember 12. According to sources for AllThingsD, Apple will instead hold a separate media event in October to highlight the device. A previous rumor suggested that an iPad mini would not ship until November—just in the nick of time for the ever-important holiday shopping season.
(Coincidentally, one analyst has claimed that a rumored 13″ Retina MacBook Pro should ship around October, perhaps just in time for this second media event.)
Apple may decide to celebrate “Rocktober” by introducing new iPod models alongside the iPad mini, including an updated iPod touch with a larger, 16:9 display; and an iPod nano, which Macotaraka’s sources believe will include WiFi and possible iTunes Match support. (Other rumors have pointed to Bluetooth support and the addition of limited camera hardware.)
