iPad mini rumor rollup for the week ending Oct. 19
After you’ve said “smaller iPad” there’s really not too much more you can say. But that hasn’t stopped the iOSphere from buzzing about the anticipated Apple iPad mini of course.
CANNIBALISM: iPad Mini expected to cut into full-size iPad sales
IN PICTURES: 6 Apple iPad Mini concepts (& 1 peek at the real deal?)
This week, the itsyPad (as we like to call it) clearly spells doom for the iPad 2. And don’t expect its aspect ratio to evolve toward widescreen. For that matter, don’t expect a Retina display. But you’ll have 24 models to choose from. It’s all a symptom of Apple’s defensive mindset.
You read it hear second.
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“With this many models of the iPad mini ready in the system already, we must assume Apple intends to sell quite a few of them, one way or another.” — Chris Burns, SlashGear, who, based on rumors of “leaked” stock-keeping unit numbers, was able to lay bare Apple’s previously hidden intentions for the itsyPad
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itsyPad spells the end of iPad 2
Apple will phase out the current iPad 2, selling for $400, in order to create “clearer product tiers,” according to Rob Cihra, a stock analyst with Evercore Partners. The idea, apparently, is that the small iPad expected to be unveiled next Tuesday will be the new, lower-priced entry point to the iPad family.
Cihra’s predictions were in a note to investors, picked up by, among others, Neil Hughes of AppleInsider.
If Cihra has reasons for believing that, AppleInsider didn’t explain them. The small iPad could be available with a wider range of storage options, and a cellular connectivity option, spanning price points from about $250 to $650. That overlaps the $400 iPad 2, but the latter still gives a lower price point, albeit with “older” technology, for the full-size tablet.
Cihra estimates that Apple will sell around 7 million of the small iPads in this last calendar quarter, and another 19 million full-size iPads.
itsyPad photo “leaks” show 4:3 aspect ratio, battery
Two sets of photos, purporting to show the itsyPad’s LCD screen and battery, were published this week by ETrade Supply International, which deals in wireless repair parts supply and distribution.
“Today we have got from the electronic market some parts which are said to be iPad Mini parts,” the blog post announced.
