Apple will launch a new, smaller, cheaper iPad in the third quarter of 2012, according to new reports from China.
Kotoaku translated the report from Chinese net portal, NetEase, who claim that the smaller iPad, commonly referred to as the ‘iPad mini’, will be released later this year to “counter attack” upcoming Windows tablets.
The report adds that the iPad mini will cost between $249 to $299 (£156 to £187), and that Apple is making 6 million units of the device ready for its launch.
NetEase also claim that Foxconn and Pegatron are working together to make the iPad mini for Apple.
This is not the first we’ve heard of a smaller iPad. In early April, Daring Fireball’s John Gruber claimed that Apple is currently testing a prototype of the iPad mini, and said that sources had told him that Apple “have one in the lab,” describing it as “just like the 9.7in iPad shrunk down a little bit.”
Earlier in the year, reports surfaced Apple has chosen to use a slim bezel on the iPad in order to maximise the viewing area of the tablet.
Samsung Securities also expects Apple to launch a smaller iPad in the third quarter of 2012, according to a leaked internal document which read: “Following the success of its iPad 1 and iPad 2, which have together achieved sales of 55m units, Apple plans… in Q3 2012 to launch a new 7in product temporarily referred to as the iPad mini.”
The rumours of a 7in iPad continue to be viewed with some scepticism, however, as the late Apple co-founder, Steve Jobs, dismissed the idea: “The 10in screen size is the minimum size required to create great tablet apps. 7in tablets are tweeners: too big to compete with a smartphone, and too small to compete with an iPad,” back in October 2010.
However, it is believed that Apple may have been convinced about the smaller form factor following the success of Amazon’s Kindle Fire.
Contact Us
Digg
It's easy and free to get the latest news headlines, reviews and opinions straight to your email inbox. Sign up NOW to make sure you receive the latest Mac news, reviews and tutorials on your favourite topics.
Comments received
Xhris2210 said on Tue, 17 Apr 2012
Amazon are successful in selling a tablet with limited functionality - they sell it at a loss in the hope of making profit via their bookstore.
Apple thinks 'we must do something similar'. Reminds me of a Pink Floyd album cover.
Mark Hattersley said on Tue, 17 Apr 2012
We're still treating this one with a big dose of scepticism. But we have to report on the reports (so to speak). And Samsung Securities aren't that easy to dismiss.
I've no doubt that Apple has tested a 7in iPad, but whether it brings it to market is another thing entirely. We all still have doubts as to how the interface (particularly the keyboard) would work. Siris not up to the task of replacing it. And as far as we can tell Apple has the market sewn up with the current iPad so why everyone think it 'needs' a 7in iPad is beyond us.
What's wrong with paying £329 for the iPad 2? Isn't that a hell of a bargain?
But we shall see (or not, as the case might be). The 7in device may form part of the larger Apple Television strategy.
Xhris2210 said on Wed, 18 Apr 2012
It may of course be that such a device might have some unanticipated purpose/function that would give it a rationale other than purely economic.
If it does appear and is just a poorer version of its sibling I'd find that troubling in terms of a shift in the Apple philosophy.
I know you've always expressed scepticism - is it some sort of publisher's directive that you headline the story so unequivocally?
Disclaimer
Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Macworld. Macworld accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content.
Click here to read the house rules.
Click here for the latest reader comments