A new report claims that production on Apple's rumored iPad Mini tablet has already begun
Earlier this week a rumor surfaced claiming that invitations to an iPad Mini special event will be sent out on October 10. If in fact true, this would position a launch event for either the end of October or early November.
In light of that, the Wall Street Journal today is reporting that mass production on Apple’s long rumored iPad Mini tablet has begun.
Apple Inc.’s Asian component suppliers have started mass production of a new tablet computer smaller than the current iPad, people with knowledge of the situation said, as the Silicon Valley company tries to stay competitive against rivals such as Google Inc. and Amazon.com that are offering smaller, less-expensive alternatives to the iPad.
Of particular note is that the iPad Mini will bear a lower resolution display than the iPad 3. In other words, don’t expect an iPad Mini with a Retina Display. This, however, hardly comes as a surprise as reports going back a few months indicated that Apple was forgoing a Retina Display on its miniaturized iPad as a means to cut down on costs. Indeed, Apple in the past has been vocal about its strategy of not creating a price umbrella under which competitors can succeed and flourish. To that end, Apple will do everything it can to price the iPad Mini aggressively, with some early rumors suggesting a price point in the $199 range
Apple’s smaller tablet will arrive as competition is intensifying in the fast-growing market. Since the original iPad was released, competitors have released tablets with various sizes, capabilities and prices. Google in July introduced the Nexus 7, with a 7-inch screen and a price of $199. Amazon last month released the latest models of its Kindle Fire tablets, with the entry-level model priced at $159.
Amazon clearly set a low bar with its $159 buy-in point, but don’t expect Apple to play that game. Apple enjoys its healthy margins and, as opposed to Amazon, isn’t in the business of putting out loss leaders.
With the iPhone 5 still selling well and an iPad Mini looming on the horizon, Apple’s upcoming holiday quarter will likely be its best quarter in company history.
