I can’t think of a busier period for Apple news and rumors than now. The Apple/Samsung trial has been tearing up the headlines over the last few weeks, coupled with heavy anticipation for a new iPhone model, rumors of an iTV, an anticipated iPod refresh, and of course, rumors of an impending iPad Mini launch.
The latest iPad Mini news comes courtesy of Digitimes which reports that supply volume for Apple’s miniaturized iPad is expected to reach 4 million units per month beginning in September as the company ramps up production ahead of what promises to be heavy demand during the holiday months.
Rumors are circulating in the IT market that Apple will launch its 7.85-inch iPad in October with a thinner screen frame to allow the device to feature a bigger display area than other competing products and will also feature a resolution similar to that of iPad 2.
The sources pointed out that the supply chain already started supplying a small volume of 7.85-inch iPad in June with a monthly volume at around several hundreds of thousand.
As it stands now, both the Google Nexus 7 tablet and the Amazon Kindle Fire retail for $199. It remains to be seen how Apple will price the iPad Mini, but if Apple decides to aggressively market it at $199 as well, Google and Amazon will have an incredibly tough time competing since they’re not really in a position where they can afford to make the price any lower.
A number of outlets are reporting that Apple is planning to hold a special media event on September 12th where they will likely introduce the iPhone 5 to the world. It’s also possible that they’ll use this event to introduce an iPad Mini as well.
Related:
Apple releases third TV ad for the iPad with Retina Display
Eddy Cue email reveals Apple and Steve Jobs had/have interest in 7-inch iPad
Tue, Aug 21, 2012
News, Rumors