Apple still has to announce it. Hell, it might not even actually exist. But the rumours involving the near-mythic smaller iPad persist-- including news on how the miniature tablet is going through "some delays."
According to Barclays Apple analyst Kirk Yang, Apple manufacturing partner Pegatron already struggles with building a smaller iPad with thinner bezels. How come? Inexperience, as well as a switch from Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) touch panel glass to ITO films.
Meanwhile The Wall Street Journal reports LG and AU Optronics are making "lower resolution" 7.85-inch displays for the smaller tablet.
A final rumour for now-- an anonymous "major Apple investor" tells Fortune Apple will send out invitations for a launch event on October 10, suggesting the October 17 date for an special unveiling event before a November 2 launch. Such news confirms earlier reports suggesting the iPad mini would never to share the spotlight with the iPhone 5.
Predictably enough Apple remains silent, neither confirming nor denying such talk.
Back in 2010 the late Steve Jobs famously described 7-inch tablets as "tweeners" and "dead on arrival." And while the iPad still dominates the 10-inch tablet market, the likes of Samsung, Amazon and Google have had a fair amount of success with smaller devices. Will Apple really go for a slice of that particular form factor pie?
Go Apple's Next Mega-Product, the iPad Mini, is Already Struggling With Delays (Business Insider SAI)
Go Apple Suppliers Begin Producing Smaller Version of iPad (WSJ.com)
Go Rumour: iPad Mini Invitations Set to be Mailed Out October 10 (Fortune)
