Ever since the release of the very first iPad, market analysts and tech insiders have speculated whether Apple may eventually release a smaller version of the groundbreaking tablet computer.
Ever since the release of the very first iPad, market analysts and tech insiders have speculated whether Apple may eventually release a smaller version of the groundbreaking tablet computer. These rumors have seemingly reached fever pitch this week, as more and more sources are reporting that Apple may eventually release a 7.85-inch iPad towards the end of the year.
According to Bloomberg, sources close to Apple have confided that the tablet informally called iPad Mini (sometimes stylized as “mini”) may be out by Q4 2012. These sources stated that the screen may measure smaller than 8 inches, which is almost two inches smaller than the 9.7-inch screen that has always been standard with the iPad.
Richard Shim, an analyst from NPD DisplaySearch, also said Tuesday that a business plan is in placefor the iPad Mini, and the device’s screen will measure 7.85 inches. He added that production may soon be underway, with the supply chains preparing for production to start soon.
The specifications of the iPad Mini, apart from its screen, are largely unknown. Some have doubted whether the iPad Mini will come with Retina Display, just as the iPad 3/new iPad does.
LG Display may be in charge of manufacturing the iPad Mini’s touchscreen panels, though there are other partners that may be involved in the tablet’s production.
As for price points, Shaw Wu from Sterne Agee & Leache predicted a similar price to that of the low-priced Google Nexus 7 and Amazon Kindle Fire, or somewhere between $199 and $249.