United Daily, a Taiwanese news publication, reports that the Cupertino firm has just received 7.85 inch sample panels, with a similar 1024 x 768 pixel resolution to the iPad 2. This suggests that Apple is planning to launch a smaller tablet.
According to Unwired View, Apple has received sample displays from LG Display and Au Optronics. This had led Mac Rumors to believe that the iPad Mini will launch early in 2012, which is usually the time Apple launches new iPads.
This does, however, conflict with other rumors. In the past, an analyst claims that the iPad Mini would indeed enter the market, but ‘Mini’ referred to the tablet’s price. It would be more affordable, which would allow it to directly compete with the extremely cheap Amazon Kindle Fire.
Due to the conflicting reports, we’re not exactly sure what to believe. Will Apple release a smaller tablet the iPad Mini, or will they release a cheaper tablet with ‘Mini’ referring to the price? Will we see this tablet instead of the iPad 3 early next year?
If there’s anything we’ve learned from the past rumors surrounding the iPhone 4S and the iPhone 5, is to always take this information with a grain of salt.
Do you think ‘Mini” refers to the screen size or the price? Give us your thoughts.
