Apple hasn't even confirmed its existence, but all signs seem to be pointing at a near-future iPad Mini release. The tablet would give Apple an entry into the smaller, cheaper budget tablet market against competitors like the Google Nexus 7 and the Amazon Kindle Fire series. A report from The Wall Street Journal indicates that mass production for the iPad Mini has started.
The Wall Street Journal sources the information to executives at component makers in Apple's Asian supply chain.
The iPad Mini should be sporting an LG 7.85-inch LCD display that has a lower resolution than the iPad 3's Retina display. Reports have also pointed to the fact that the iPad Mini will be largely made up of iPad 2 components, rather than new ones. Other details about the iPad Mini are still hazy, although expect it to look incredibly similar to the iPad 3, only smaller.
Pricing for the iPad Mini should be interesting. Initially, a $249-$299 price range was expected so that Apple can more directly compete with the $199 price tag on the Google Nexus 7 and the Amazon Kindle Fire series. But a look at the new iPod Touch's $299 price tag may indicate that Apple may sell the iPad Mini for $349, since having a tablet cheaper than a small 'iPhone without the phone' may seem ridiculous to customers.
Apple should be revealing the iPad Mini in the coming weeks. Although the iPad Mini was expected to be unveiled at the same September 12 Apple press conference where the iPhone 5 and new iPods were finally shown off, it became clear that Apple would like for each of those devices to have a chance to shine in their own spotlight. An October or early November iPad Mini launch would allow those devices to have a chance to garner some positive press, and allow Apple to get the iPad Mini out in time for the holidays.
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