AppleInsider Staff
According to Wall Street Journal sources, Apple's Asian component suppliers have received orders to build more than 10 million so-called "iPad mini" tablets for the fourth quarter of 2012.
The news comes less than a week after another WSJ report said Apple had already begun production of the 7.85-inch device ahead of a possible October launch.
Recent rumblings from pundits and a number of supposed parts leaks hint at an imminent debut of Apple's much-rumored small form factor iPad, which is said to use a non-Retina display to keep costs down.
Last week, pictures of the purported tablet's headphone jack flex cable hit the web showing both black and white housings, possibly signaling that there will be only two iPad mini colorways. Another alleged leak showed off the unit's display assembly, black anodized rear shell and nano-SIM card tray, suggesting that Apple will release a version with cellular data capabilities.
The rumored tablet is expected to be a major boon for Apple as smaller form factor devices have gained popularity over the past months, the most notable offerings being Amazon's Kindle Fire HD and Google's Nexus 7.
It is rumored that Apple will be sending out invitations for an "iPad mini" special event on Oct. 10, suggesting an unveiling a week later and subsequent product release at the end of the month.
Amber Neely
Andrew Orr
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
Chip Loder
56 Comments
Should be interesting to see how the new iPad (if rumours are true) pans out.
Is there any sort of rumor/confirmation about the keynote for this iPad and the macs?
Is there any sort of rumor/confirmation about the keynote for this iPad and the macs?
Rumour was the invitations would go out this wednesday, for an event 7 days later: http://forums.appleinsider.com/t/153040/
Random want: a new Dock to go with the new iPad, more Mountain-Liony :-) Before you call me crazy, remember iPad (1)?
Rumour was the invitations would go out this wednesday, for an event 7 days later: http://forums.appleinsider.com/t/153040/
Random want: a new Dock to go with the new iPad, more Mountain-Liony :-) Before you call me crazy, remember iPad (1)?
how is the current iOS Dock not Mountain-Liony?
[quote name="TimmyDax" url="/t/153210/wsj-apple-orders-over-10m-ipad-minis-for-q4#post_2206900"] Rumour was the invitations would go out this wednesday, for an event 7 days later: [URL=http://forums.appleinsider.com/t/153040/]http://forums.appleinsider.com/t/153040/[/URL] Random want: a new Dock to go with the new iPad, more Mountain-Liony :-) Before you call me crazy, remember iPad (1)? [/quote] New dock would be cool- but that'll be an iOS thing- not a hardware deal. I just noticed mail has clouds on it- after looking at it for years. That doesn't make sense at all.... Oh well. Still don't see the iPad mini coming out- only a handful of screenshots out there and most conflict each other. Outside of that its just a prototype someone else- no apple- designed. Very interested to see what happens though- particularly in pricing- though again, I don't foresee anything happening until early-mid next year, when they can drop the iPod Touch prices.