Apple's iPad Mini rumoured for late 2012 launch
Smaller tablet still looks like a possibility
Published: 19 December, 2011
READ MORE: US | Apple | Handset | iOS
It looks like anyone anticipating a smaller version of the iPad may have to wait until well into next year according to the latest rumour from Digitimes. Last week it was reported that Apple's iPad 3 would be arriving in March or April next year. Although this was no big shocker it did line-up with other recent reports about the availability of the next version of the best selling tablet. Now the site is saying that the smaller iPad will launch before Q4 2012.
Once again no specs are mentioned, apart from the fact it will have a 7.85" display, but it's said that LG and AU Optronics will be supplying the panels with production expected to start in the second quarter of 2012. It's safe to assume that hardware which is better than the previous iPad won't be the main concern of this tablet, the main point of which is to cope with the increasing competition from large smartphones and reasonably priced tablets such as Amazon's Kindle Fire.
Amazon has yet to reveal the exact sales figures for the Kindle Fire but it did issue a press release last week where it announced it was selling Kindles at a rate of one million a week for the previous three weeks. This figure covered the whole Kindle range and though what portion of it belonged to the Kindle Fire is a mystery the retailer did make sure to mention that the tablet is the best selling and most wished for item on its site.
Next year might see a shift in the tablet world but for now Apple retains the lions share of sales when it comes to slates and out of the 60m tablet devices expected to have shipped globally in 2011 iPads will account for around 70% of them.
More US News
More APPLE News
More HANDSET News
COMMENTS
BYOD: Market Analysis and Forecasts
An in-depth insight into the rise of BYOD policies within the enterprise and analysis of the impact the trend will have on IT departments,...
Voice Command, Control and Search on Mobile Phones: Market Analysis & Forecasts
This report provides a comprehensive insight into the growing importance of voice command, control and search on handsets, analysing...
Data Centre Network Equipment: Market Analysis and Forecasts
This report provides a global assessment of the data centre network equipment market. Besides assessing the key market trends, sub-markets...
HetNet Market Summary & Forecasts: Macro Cells, Small Cells & Wi-Fi Offload
Carriers are struggling to cope with the explosion of data traffic on their networks, and the additional deployment of LTE and legacy...
Over-the-Top Communications: Threats & Opportunities for Mobile Operators
This report examines the implications of widespread adoption of mobile over-the-top IP communications for mobile operators, handset...
Portable Gaming Consoles: Market Analysis and Forecasts
This report provides a global assessment of the PGC market. In addition to assessing the key market drivers, market barriers, vendor...
Satellite Phones: Will Dual Mode Help the Phoenix Rise from the Ashes?
Satellite phones have followed an arduous path since their much-hyped launch more than a decade ago. The hype was followed by an e...
