Apple to release an iPad Mini?

We’ve been hearing a lot of buzz regarding the Cupertino-based innovator’s plans on releasing a 7 to 8-inch version of their uber-popular Apple iPad tablet.

While this speculation may just be more of a rumor than something more realistic, it’s never too late to tell you guys the latest news (or shall I say ‘hearsay’?) in the tech world right? Well, there’s hardly any evidence to confirm these allegations but we’ll never know what Apple is really hiding up their sleeves until they reveal an actual product that’s [done almost every other quarter or so] ready for us to take a bite. Put quite simply, there’s still a possibility that Apple is indeed going to release a smaller version of their popular tablet.

Given that the tablet market is growing at a steady pace — alright more like at a surprising rate, it’s completely normal for Apple to join the bandwagon. There’s the Samsung Galaxy Note that — well, we can’t really call that thing a phone or tablet, perhaps a “phablet”? There’s also the now defunct Dell Streak 5, Galaxy Tab 7.7 and 8.9, the Kindle Fire… now the Google Nexus 7 and many more! You see? It’s really exciting isn’t it? Who would’ve thought that tablets could come in so many flavors and sizes? It’s really comforting, mostly if I myself can barely afford one. Sigh.

Anyway, back to the topic. So here’s what we know so far based on some reports:

– The iPad’s ‘mini-me’ version is said to feature a 7.85-inch IGZO panel that (boasts 330ppi) manufactured by Sharp — more on that later.
– The pricing for the 7-inch iPad will start at $250 with the top end model sporting a $300 price tag (roughly P10,500 – P12,500)

So what’s so special about IGZO? IGZO LCD panels feature indium gallium zinc oxide semiconductors which enables manufacturers to produce thinner and energy saving displays that possess much higher resolution/pixel density compared to a regular LCD panel. IGZO panels are manufactured by Sharp’s Display Products division.

Back in February, The Wall Street Journal has mentioned in a post that some notoriously secretive good eggs from Apple has shown their suppliers some “designs for a new device with a screen size of around eight inches”, one person has even stated that the smaller iPad will have a similar resolution with that of the iPad 2. Statements that aren’t easy to throw away since The Wall Street Journal’s inside scoops are pretty reliable.

So far, all the things we’ve been hearing about the mysterious iPad ‘mini’ are the display and aesthetics-related stuff. What about under the hood? Well, Many have speculated that the New iPad will come with a quad core A6 chip of some sort, instead, we were surprised with an A5X chip that’s basically just an A5 SoC with upgraded graphics. It’s safe to say that the A5X may just find its way inside the smaller iPad while the ‘Newer iPad’ or iPad 4 will most probably debut with a the quad core A6 chip.

Sounds realistic doesn’t it? Well, if it turns out that my idea about the processor hand-me-down comes true, you’ve read it here first (although, I doubt if that’ll even happen).

There’s no denying that Apple is aiming at the Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire tablets with their 7-inch iPad. Apple after all, is more than just a fruit.

{sources: Wall Street Journal, TechnoBuffalo, Wired, Cult of Mac}

Kevin Go

Kevin is a blogger, avid gamer and always keeps himself updated with the latest trends in technology. He's still a bit shy so no Twitter and Facebook link here.

https://www.yugatech.com

17 Comments

Melanie says:

12 years ago

its already out in the market and there’s nothing we can do, apple company bring quick upgrades. -_-
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Mikael Arhelger says:

12 years ago

How come everybody now wants one? It is Made in China! I was under the impression, most Filipinos want to ban Chinese products, is it not?
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Jess says:

12 years ago

Ipod touch/Iphone 4s – 3.5 inches
Ipad – 9.7 inches

Plus

Iphone 5 – 4 inches
Ipad mini – 7 or 8 inches

Hmmm

I dont think iOS developers would want to create apps for 4 different screen sizes.
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kuto says:

12 years ago

no. just no.
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R2 says:

12 years ago

possible but very unlikely..
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bryan says:

12 years ago

This is also to compete Google Nexus 7 which is just released. The pricing is also close. I’m planning to buy a mini tablet, I guess I’ll wait for reviews first :P

a href=http://brylupet.blogspot.com/>bryan
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bryan says:

12 years ago

This is also to compete Google Nexus 7 which is just released. The pricing is also close. I’m planning to buy a mini tablet, I guess I’ll wait for reviews first :P

a href=http://brylupet.blogspot.com/>brylupet
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Daniel Escasa says:

12 years ago

Will iOS developers be pleased with yet another screen size to contend with? I don’t think so, and therefore I don’t think that Apple with produce a different sized iPad — or iPhone either.
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sinned86 says:

12 years ago

maybe its just “The Ipod Touch” with bigger screen…I have a gut feel that it will be named that way…
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wreek888 says:

12 years ago

This rumor is going on for two years now. I dont think its true. Why does apple wants a 7 inch ipad? Unless they want to phaseout the ipod touch.
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huangzi says:

12 years ago

fasdasfasf
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Mr. Curious says:

12 years ago

I don’t think there is any reason for them to create this mini version. Just my opinion thou. The 7-8 inch size is in between the size of iTouch and iPad. I don’t think they’ll find a market there, people would still buy an iPad I guess.
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John says:

12 years ago

The 7.85 inch will not be the selling point of the device. However, the $ 200-300 will.

John says:

12 years ago

Oh look ! It’s a 7.8 inch iPod Touch. Imbeciles.
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kmr says:

12 years ago

It seems that you’re stuck in the 1st generation of iPads when they used to say that it’s just a bigger iPod (which in fact all other companies followed including the Galaxy Tab). If you’ve used one, then you’ll know it’s more than just a big iPod. It’s in a different market as well. Design wise, yes it looks like a bigger iPod. But how would you design it? With unnecessary labels and buttons? LOL.

BTT: I don’t think Apple will make an iPad Mini. As they say, if you want a bigger screen, get an iPad. Smaller, use an iPhone.