Edible Apple

Following a report that Apple will be sending out invitations to an iPad Mini special event on October 10th comes a more substantiated report from the Wall Street Journal claiming that mass production on the rumored new iPad device has already commenced.

Apple Inc.’s Asian component suppliers have started mass production of a new tablet computer smaller than the current iPad, people with knowledge of the situation said, as the Silicon Valley company tries to stay competitive against rivals such as Google Inc. and Amazon.com Inc.  that are offering smaller, less-expensive alternatives to the iPad.

As had previously been rumored, the Journal notes that the iPad Mini’s screen will not be a Retina Display, which makes sense given that Apple is looking to position the device as a lower cost alternative to the iPad.

While Apple continues to dominate the tablet landscape, competition is heating up. Rivals have found a sweet spot in the 7-inch form factor range as it allows for lower price-points and attracts consumers who aren’t necessarily willing to drop $300-400 on a tablet. The Google Nexus 7 has seemingly done well, along with Amazon’s Kindle Fire.

Rumored to start at just $199, Apple’s iPad Mini should make for an interesting addition to Apple’s lineup this holiday season.