Lighter iPad May Be In The Works

iPad 4

(Image Credit: http://www.apple.com)

The fifth-generation iPad may be lighter compared to the previous model of the device.

Taiwan-based Digitimes reported that the upcoming model of the iPad will enter production by July. It will reportedly be leaner compared to the previous models. It will also be 25 percent lighter compared to the iPad 4. Information about the device was also released by NPD DisplaySearch last April.

Although the fifth-generation iPad will still feature the 2048 by 1536 Retina Display, it will use thinner glass. This is made possible with the use of a new touch sensor technology. Its backlight gear will also be more compact compared to the ones used on the previous models.

Last April, NPD DisplaySearch revealed that the LED backlight of the upcoming model of the iPad will be smaller, which will make a slimmer iPad possible.  The increased efficiency of the LEDs will make the display perform more efficiently. It may also be possible for the device to use a touch sensor that is film-based.

The third and fourth models of the iPad were actually thicker and heavier compared to the iPad 2. The big backlight assembly contributed to this added thickness and heft on the device.

Digitimes also revealed that by September the deliveries of the fifth-generation iPad will increase to around three million units. 

Upcoming iPad 5 To Be Slimmer And Lighter

iPad 5

(Image Credit: http://www.nowhereelse.fr)

An analyst who is considered to have a good record when it comes to upcoming product offerings of Apple revealed that the next iPad or the iPad 5 will be lighter and slimmer compared to the current models of the device.

According to Mingchi Kuo, an analyst from KGI Securities, the next full-size model of the iPad will be lighter and slimmer, which is what the company used to practice in the past. In addition to the reduction in the size of the tablet, the company will also enhance the display of the iPad 5, reduce the battery size and use an A-series processor. The same touch technology that is used on the iPad Mini will also be used on the upcoming model of the iPad.

Kuo indicated in a note to investors that the main characteristics of the next iPad will be its lighter and slimmer design. Kuo added that these are some of the reasons why the iPad 3 and the iPad 4 did not do well in the market since they were thicker and heavier compared to the iPad 2.

These models were released into the market seven months apart, and consumers may have waited for the next version since the iPad 3 used the now-obsolete 30-pin connector. The next full-size model of the iPad is expected to be released within the third quarter of the year.

The revelation of the analyst is the latest report that hints of a slimmer model for the next iPad. The design of the upcoming iPad 5 will be similar to the design of the last three models, which is unlike that of the iPod and the iPhone. Last December, a report hinted at the possibility that a slimmer model of the iPad was being developed by Apple. However, the report also indicated that it was supposed to be launched by the company last month. A number of cases for the supposed iPad 5 have started to emerge, and the design hinted at the possibility that the next iPad will be slim, similar to the iPad Mini.

The accuracy of the predictions of Kuo has been uncanny since he was able to reveal the plans and the release schedule of the 13-inch model of the Retina MacBook Pro as well as the details about the iPad and the iPod. Prior to this, he was also accurate when he reported about the schedule for the iPhone 4 and the overhaul of the MacBook Pro product lineup. These speculations have led some industry watchers to take a closer look at his recent note to investors in connection to the iPad 5.

Slim iPad 5 Hinted By Casing In HK Market

iPad 5 Casing

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Rumors mills have been churning out a steady supply of unconfirmed reports about the iPad 5, and the latest reports have resulted to a number of case designs for the next model of the iPad.

Reports have indicated that a number of slim casings for the iPad 5 have started to emerge online and in Hong Kong. A number of these cases have been posted on Alibaba.com while some were available at the Hong Kong Electronics Fair. These cases have hinted at the possibility that the next version of the iPad will be slimmer even as its screen size will still be similar to the current version of the device.

Alibaba.com already has a number of listings showing the casing for the upcoming model of the iPad. This shows that suppliers in China are capable of producing accessories for any Apple product even before they are released into the market. Earlier reports had hinted at slimmer backlights, which would result to a thinner model of the iPad. The device will reportedly have the same screen size despite its slimmer profile.

An image was leaked earlier that was supposedly that of the upcoming iPad 5 that gave rise to speculations that the device will be slimmer compared to the current version of the iPad.

Delays Affect Production Of iPhone 5S, iPhone 6

Apple Devices

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It appears that enthusiasts who are eagerly waiting for the release of the iPhone 5S, iPhone 6 and all other mobile devices of Apple will have to wait a little bit longer. Peter Misek, an analyst from Jefferies, revealed that the release of the next iPhone will likely face some delays.

The analyst reportedly paid a visit to the Asian suppliers of Apple and discovered that production delays may result to the postponement of the launch of the low-cost model of the iPhone. Earlier reports had hinted at the possibility that the device will be released into the market in July, but with the delays it may not hit the shelves until the fourth quarter. On the other hand, the iPhone 6 may be released into the market next year.

Misek revealed that pre-production issues have plagued the iPhone 5S for at least one month. Together with the delay in the release of the iOS 7, it would appear that the July 7 release of the low-cost iPhone will be postponed. He added that they do not foresee the release of the iPhone 6 before the end of the year.

Aside from the iPhone 5S, the iPhone 6 and the iOS 7, the production of other products of the company will also face delays. The new model of the iPad Mini will be delayed while there is no hint of when the start of production of the reported iWatch of Apple would be. The iPad 5 may be released into the market, but its volume may be limited.

A number of reports had hinted at the possibility that Apple will be releasing a bigger iPhone, a low-cost iPhone, the iWatch, and the iOS 7 among others this year. However, these reports have remained unconfirmed even as the competitors of the tech giant have gradually released products of their own.

In addition to dealing with the reports on the delay of the release of the iPhone 5S, Apple may have to face lower-than-expected sales for the iPhone and the iPad for the second quarter.

Leak Shows Reported iPad 5

iPad 5

(Image Credit: http://www.nowhereelse.fr)

The reported iPad 5 may feature a thin bezel similar to the one found on the iPad Mini if the leaked image of the fifth generation tablet of Apple is proven to be accurate.

The upcoming iPad will supposedly be slim, just like the small-sized version of the tablet offering of the company. That is, if the image posted on Nowhereelse.fr is indeed that of the next-generation iPad. If this is the case, then Apple may be using the iPad Mini as its inspiration for the design on the upcoming model of the full-size iPad.

The front cover of the iPad 5 was shown on the image along with the bezel around it that shows a slimmer design compared to the current model of the iPad.

Earlier reports hinted at the possibility that the upcoming version of the iPad will have a 9.7-inch display screen along with a slimmer design. The recently-leaked image may provide the proof needed by earlier reports, that is, if it is proven to be true.

However, the French website has a notable record when it comes to making revelations on upcoming products from Apple. The supposed image of the iPad 5 was reportedly given to the website from sources in China. However, since these reports remain unconfirmed, which means their accuracy is still debatable.

The iPad 4 was launched by Apple last October together with the iPad Mini. The two devices entered the market in the early part of November.

Reports have also indicated that Apple will start its production of the next generation iPad by summer. However another report hinted at a possible April launch of the iPad 5, which simply means it remains uncertain when the device will be actually unveiled by Apple.

Supplies May Have Affected Sales Of The iPad Mini

iPad Mini

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The demand for the iPad Mini is rather high but if the supply is not enough to meet the demand, sales will definitely suffer.

This was the insight of Shaw Wu, an analyst from Sterne Agee, in a recent cnet.com report. Sales of the iPad were not as expected due to shortages in the supply of the iPad Mini, which has also affected the sales of the full-size model of the device.

The insight of the analyst is just one among many who were concerned of the sales of the popular products of Apple. However, Sterne Agee has a more positive outlook in the sales of the iPhone although the company was apprehensive of the sales of the iPad, particularly with that of the iPad Mini.

Even as the supply of the iPhone has caught up with its demand, sales of the iPad remained rather bleak. According to Wu, this can be attributed to shortages in the components for the Apple iPad Mini, which resulted to consumers purchasing the full-sized iPad instead of the iPad Mini.

This has resulted to an adjustment to the sales projection for the iPad from 25 million units to only 23.5 million units. A good number of analysts have projected iPad sales of not more than 24 million units. On the other hand, Wu projects sales for the iPhone to reach around 47.5 million units, which is much higher than the 46 million unit sales of a number of analysts.

An increase in supply will increase sales and more profits for Apple. With the upcoming release of the iPhone 5 in a number of countries before the end of the year, sales of the smartphone offering of Apple will likely increase.

However sales of the iPad Mini has yet to catch up with the demand and the supply is the likely culprit for its relatively limited sales. Factor in the effect of the iPad Mini on the sales of the full-sized iPad, sales are below expectations.

The supply problems of the iPad Mini have also affected the confidence of investors in the profit margins of the company. However Apple revealed that the current situation is only temporary due to the release of a number of devices into the market.

Apple will have to improve its supply of the iPad Mini in order to meet its demand and ultimately increase its profit margin and leave its investors with a smile on their face.

Improvement In iPad Mini Waiting Time Noted

iPad Mini

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The improvement in the iPad Mini waiting time hints at the possibility that the supply of the smaller versions of the iPad is finally catching up with the demand.

Recent reports have indicated that the iPad Mini waiting time has improved from two weeks to just one week, just in time for the holidays.

This is good news for consumers who may want to give the device as a gift to their loved ones for the holidays. This improvement in the iPad Mini waiting time is applicable to all models of the device including the 16GB Wi-Fi only model.

The recent improvement in the iPad Mini waiting time follows reports that hinted at the possible issues affecting AU Optronics, which may affect the supply of the panels for the device. Aside from AU Optronics, the panels of the device are also manufactured by LG Display.

A recent report indicated that the panel supply from AU Optronics has declined, which was later refuted by the company. With the improvement in the iPad Mini waiting time, sales of the iPad 4 may go down further after analysts had indicated that the release of the smaller iPad in the market has affected the sales of its big brother.

Despite some issues had affected the production of the iPad, this recent improvement in the iPad Mini waiting time will result to a significant increase in sales.

The supply of the iPad 4 and the iPhone 5 is better compared to the iPad Mini, but this may change soon as the iPad Mini waiting time has started to improve.

Notable Speed Test For iPad 4

iPad 4

(Image Credit: http://www.apple.com)

Although sales of the iPad 4 may have been affected by the iPad Mini, it appears that the performance of the fourth generation iPad is better compared to its smaller-sized little brother.

The size, weight, and style of the iPad Mini may be more appealing to Apple enthusiasts, the performance of the iPad 4 may increase its appeal to consumers who have yet to choose which device to purchase.

Applications and web pages load faster on the iPad 4 compared to the iPad Mini. The graphics rendering performance of the iPad 4 was also significantly better compared to the iPad Mini.

A set of Geekbench tests showed that the iPad 4 was able to score 1,791 compared to the 764 of the iPad Mini. The fourth-generation iPad also performed better compared to the third-generation model of the device. The A6X processor of the tablet offering of Apple is the reason for the enhanced performance of the fourth-generation iPad compared to the iPad 3. The iPad 3 features an A5X processor.

The 4G LTE speed of the iPad 4 was also better compared to the iPad Mini.

Download speeds of the device reportedly reached 40Mbps in Sherman Oaks and 34Mbps in the Beverly Hills area. In comparison the download speed on the iPad Mini was at 18Mbps and 14 Mbps in the same locations. However, it should be noted that the upload speed on the iPad 4 was not as impressive since it only reached 14Mbps and 11Mbps in the same locations.

But another test conducted on a different date a much more realistic download and upload speeds for both the iPad 4 and the iPad Mini. The download speed of the two devices was at 10Mbps while the upload speed was around 3Mbps.

Although it remains uncertain if consumers will opt for the iPad 4 over the iPad Mini following the tests that were conducted on the two devices, the performance of the fourth-generation iPad will definitely give some consumers who are still in a quandary on which device to select something to think about.

Sales of iPad 4 Affected By iPad Mini

iPad Mini

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If the people at Apple were concerned on the effect of the introduction of the iPadMini together with the latest model of the iPad, then their concerns are understandable. It appears that the smaller model of the tablet offering of Apple is already affecting the sales of the iPad 4.

Stocks of the iPad Mini are reportedly limited basing on a survey conducted by Citi in around fifty Apple stores. In comparison, the stocks of the iPad 4 were remained significantly high. The survey revealed that around 8- percent of the stores have revealed that some models of the iPad Mini are still available. However the overall inventory of the device is limited in 96 percent of the Apple stores in the survey, especially the model that consumers are looking for.

Among all models of the iPad Mini, the 32GB model has continued to be available in the stores.

In comparison, all of the stores have indicated that stocks of the iPad 4 have remained stable with only six percent indicated that its stocks are low. This gives indications that the iPad Mini may have affected the sales of the iPad 4.

An estimated ten million units of the iPad Mini were manufactured for this quarter while around fifteen million units of all the other models of the iPad were manufactured. Reports have hinted at the possibility that issues in the manufacturing side have affected the supply of the Apple iPad Mini.

Problems in the panel shipments have reportedly affected the manufacture of the device although the manufacturer, AU Optronics has indicated that there were no problems in the supply of panels for the Apple iPad Mini. The production of the panels may have been affected by design of the panel itself since it is thinner compared to the full-sized model of the iPad.

But the reported problems on the production of the panels for the iPad Mini may be dealt with before the New Year, which means deliveries of the device may increase in the next quarter.

Comparing The iPad Mini And The Amazon Kindle Fire HD

iPad Mini

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Following the release of the iPad Mini of Apple, a number of industry watchers cannot but help comparing some of the tablet currently available in the market. In addition to the smaller version of the tablet offering of Apple, the Amazon Kindle Fire HD was another tablet device that entered the market this year.

Some industry watchers may favor one tablet over the other but a direct comparison may be the best way to find out which one offers a better value for money among potential tablet buyers.

The 7.9-inch display screen of the iPad Mini offers a wide viewing angle along with sufficient color reproduction. However it appears that the 8.9-inch display screen of the Amazon Kindle Fire HD offers potential buyers a better-looking display than the iPad Mini of Apple. The colors on the 1920 by 1200 screen of the Amazon tablet are vibrant and bright while the darker background complements the white text of the interface in offering a notably-contrasted appearance. The text, videos and apps on the Amazon Kindle Fire HD are exceptionally sharp.

Although the Amazon Kindle Fire HD offers a much better display compared to the iPad Mini of Apple, the Apple device is lighter than its Amazon counterpart. With its 0.68 pound weight, the iPad Mini is significantly lighter than most if not all tablets in the market. The Amazon Kindle Fire HD weighs around 1.22 pounds, which makes it quite a load for anyone to carry especially if they are trying to use it with one hand.

The app inventory of the Apple App Store gives the iPad Mini a huge edge over the Amazon Kindle Fire HD. It does not only offer a greater number of apps for use on the iPad Mini, the quality of the apps are also better compared to the apps available for the Amazon Kindle Fire HD. A number of the apps for the Amazon Kindle HD are also available for use on the iPad Mini and it may take some time before apps exclusively available for the Amazon Kindle Fire HD will be offered online.

Amazon Kindle Fire HD

(Image Credit: http://www.amazon.com)

The media offerings for the Amazon Kindle Fire HD and the Apple iPad Mini are fairly similar to each other as both companies are offering the best books, music, television shows and movies for its users. However, it appears that the Amazon Kindle Fire HD gives users more features compared to the iPad Mini of Apple. Among the features that users of the Amazon device can use are immersion reading, X-Ray for movies and books, ten-second-rewind for the movie player of Amazon, and a remarkable streaming performance. This gives the Amazon Kindle Fire HD a notable advantage over recently-released Apple iPad Mini.

In terms of pricing, the Amazon Kindle Fire HD is priced at $299 for the 16GB model. In comparison, the 16GB model of the iPad Mini cost around $329. However it should be noted that the $299 price tag of the Amazon Kindle HD is for the ad-supported model of the device while the 16GB model that has no ads is priced at around $314, which is still cheaper compared to the iPad Mini by $15.

However it appears that a good number of consumers are going for the Apple iPad Mini, which may be attributed to its brand. If you would take the features offered by the Amazon Kindle Fire HD into consideration, you may not think twice in acquiring the tablet offering of Amazon.

In the end the consumers themselves will make the decision on which tablet to purchase. If they are looking for a tablet that enhances their status in society, they may aim to purchase the iPad Mini of Apple. However, if they are looking for a tablet that focuses on features rather than being a status symbol, the Amazon Kindle Fire HD will be a better choice for them.

Android Tablets To Surpass iPad Market Share By Mid-2013

A project analyst has hinted at the possibility that the market share of the iPad may be surpassed by the Android tablets in the middle of 2013.

For the past few years, the tablet market has been dominated by the iPad of Apple however the deluge of Android-powered devices has slowly taken a part of its share of the market. Based on the data from IDC, the 87 percent of the market was held by the iPad in third quarter of 2010. However, this market share has gone down to around 50.4 percent in the third quarter of this year.

According Sameer Singh, a mergers and acquisition analyst from Finvista Advisors, Android tablets will likely surpass the market share of the iPad if the current trend continues.

Singh reportedly discovered that the deliveries of Android tablets has better compared to the iPad in six of the past eight quarters. Singh indicated that the third quarter shipments of the iPad suffered a significant drop amidst reports of the iPad Mini. Deliveries of the iPad were expected to increase by at least ten percent in the last quarter, however, it decreased by around eighteen percent.

In comparison shipments for Android tablet has gone up from the first up to the third quarter. This growth is expected to continue in the coming year since a good number of Android manufacturers will likely follow the lead of the inexpensive Amazon Kindle, the analyst indicated. A number of original equipment manufacturers or OEMs have used the Amazon model that expanded its price points, which will increase its market and affect the share of the iPad.

Despite the possible reduction in the market share of the iPad, it is still expected to increase its overall sales in the coming year. Together with the iPhone, the iPad has provided Apple with a net profit of around $8.2 billion for the quarter that ended last September 29.

In addition, sales of the iPad have reached three million units ever since the company launched the iPad Mini recently. Although no specific details were provided, a number of analysts think that the iPad Mini accounted for most of the sales.

But the cost of production of the iPad has affected the profit margin of the company. The iPad Mini reportedly gives a lower than normal profit margin for the company. However, the cost of production is expected to go down after some time, which will increase the profit margin of the company.

Singh also indicted that the Windows RT and the Windows 8 tablet will hardly put a dent on the share of the iPad and Android tablets in the market. 

Uncertainties About The iPad Mini

iPad Mini

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Since the reported smaller version of the iPad has yet to show itself in the market, a number of uncertainties on its features remain. The reported iPad Mini is one of the biggest mysteries in the world of gadgets even as more reports have emerged pointing to its upcoming launch into the market.

The number of images and reports that have emerged has increased speculations on its upcoming entry into the market. Despite the reports hinting at the supposed features of the iPad Mini, it remains uncertain which of these reports have a hint of accuracy in them.

One of the biggest questions in the mind of consumers is the price of the reported iPad Mini. With the release of a number of cheaper tablet devices from numerous companies, speculations have hinted at a price range of around $199 up to $399. The pricing will likely be influenced by the release of the Amazon Kindle Fire HD, Google Nexus 7, and the upcoming Barnes & Noble Nook HD, which are all priced at $199. Despite their low price tag, these devices offer impressive features for a tablet measuring seven inches.

Another uncertainty is the name itself. After the latest model of the iPad was simply called the new iPad, speculations have emerged on the possibility that the supposed iPad Mini may have a different name. Some have even hinted of the possibility that it may be called the iPad Air.

The screen resolution of the supposed iPad Mini also remains uncertain. Reports have hinted at the possibility that the smaller version of the iPad will not feature the Retina Display of the new iPad and may have a resolution similar to the iPad 2. However with its smaller screen, the iPad Mini will likely have a higher pixel density compared to the second-generation iPad.

The storage options of the iPad Mini is also another unknown. Since a number of seven-inch devices feature a 16GB internal storage, it may be possible that the reported iPad Mini will not have the 32GB and 64GB storage option that is available for the first three models of the device. If the iPad Mini will have a similar storage option as the bigger iPad, it may affect the market for these full-sized devices especially if the iPad will be offered at a lower price tag.

With its smaller size and lower price tag, some of the features of the full-size device may not be included in the iPad Mini. It may have a downgraded processor and camera. The reported iPad Mini may even not offer 3G or 4G connectivity.

With the recent release of the various color options of the iPod Touch, it may be possible for the reported iPad to be offered in different color options as well. Earlier supposed leaked images of the device showed an aluminum design for the device. But if the device will be offered in different colors, it may be an appealing holiday gift option when it is released into the market.

It may also be possible for the reported iPad Mini to offer an impressive accessory similar to the Smart Cover of the iPad 2. The reported device may even offer a case that features a keyboard to make it a rather tempting option to the recently devices that have been released into the market.

These unknowns will remain, well, unknowns until the reported iPad Mini will be finally released into the market by Apple.

October 23 Introduction of iPad Mini Hinted

iPad Mini

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Previous reports had hinted at an October 10 release of the supposed iPad Mini of Apple. However, the day came and the smaller version of the tablet offering of Apple was nowhere in sight.

Now the latest chatter has hinted of an October 23 release of the rumored iPad Mini. According to All Things D, sources have revealed that the iPad Mini will be introduced in a press event on October 23. The location of the reported press event was not revealed although speculations have emerged that the Cupertino campus of Apple will serve as the venue for the press event.

This has yet to be confirmed by Apple. An earlier report had indicated that invitations for the iPad Mini launch were supposed to be released on October 10 and the actual event will be held on October 17. The smaller version of the Apple tablet will supposedly be released into the market on November 2.  But no invitations were released by Apple.

Reports on the supposed iPad Mini have circulated in the web in the past few months. Earlier reports had revealed that the smaller version of the iPad was supposed to be launched with the iPhone 5, however later reports revealed that the iPad Mini will be launched around a month after the introduction of the latest version of the smartphone offering of Apple.

Issues in production have reportedly resulted to this delay in the introduction of the device. The reported October 23 launch date of the iPad Mini is two days prior to the announcement of the quarterly earnings of the company, and three days prior to the New York launch of the Windows 8 OS. The Microsoft Surface tablet will also be launched on the same date along with a number of tablets using the Windows 8 OS.

The iPad Mini will reportedly offer a 7.85-inch display screen and will feature the latest Lightning connector of the company. The device is expected to be released into the market a few weeks after it is launched.

Display Suppliers Readied For iPad Mini

iPad Mini

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It appears that the 7.85-inch display screen for the upcoming iPad Mini will be supplied by LG Display and AU Optronics, if recent reports are proven to be accurate.

The two companies were reportedly contracted by Apple to manufacture the display screens of the smaller version of the iPad. In addition to LG Display and AU Optronics producing the display screen for the iPad Mini, Yeh Cheng Technology of Foxconn and TPK Holding will reportedly provide the lamination coating of the display of the upcoming device.

The current model of the iPad has a screen size of 9.7 inches. Reports about the iPad Mini have emerged in recent months and its existence has yet to be acknowledged by Apple. Despite this, reports have continued to emerge along with supposed images of the upcoming device.

Recent reports have hinted at an October launch for the iPad Mini, which will reportedly have a price tag of around $249.

According to Rhoda Alexander, an analyst from HIS iSuppli, the competitors of the iPad Mini will likely be massacred if Apple will give its upcoming device a $249 price tag.

However prior to the launch of the iPad Mini, Apple is supposedly set to unveil the iPhone 5, which is the next generation model of its smartphone offering in the market. Reports have indicated that the iPhone 5 will feature a bigger screen display along with better features compare to the existing model of the device.

The iPhone 5 will reportedly be launched by Apple on September 12 and become available in the market by September 21. Earlier reports had initially indicated that the iPad Mini will be launched together with the next generation iPhone however latest reports have pointed to a possible October launch of the smaller version of the iPad.

Apple has not issued any statements on the reports in connection to the iPad Mini.

Reports Indicate That Apple iPad Mini Name Confirmed

iPad Mini

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Macotakara, a Japanese blog, has reported that the seven-inch tablet offering of Apple has been christened the iPad Mini.

The name, which has been making rounds over the net in recent months, will supposedly become the official name of the upcoming device. The blog site cited information from a source in Asia and the 7.85-inch iPad Mini will feature the familiar logo of the iPad at the back.

Although the accuracy of the report remains to be seen, iPad Mini was the name given by industry watchers when reports on the upcoming device started to emerge.

However the company may still come out with a surprise when the device is finally unveiled in the same way that industry watchers expected the third model of the iPad would be called the iPad 3. Instead Apple surprised everyone by simply calling the device as the new iPad.

An All Things D report indicated that the iPad Mini will be released by Apple by October. The same site also indicated that the company will schedule two events to launch its latest devices, the iPad Mini and the iPhone 5, which will reportedly be launched within the month.

These reports have contradicted earlier reports that hinted at a September 12 release for the two devices. However scheduling two separate launch events for the iPad Mini and the iPhone 5 appears sensible since it will allow the two devices to stand out once they are unveiled by Apple.

Even as majority of industry watchers are focusing on the iPad Mini and the iPhone 5, the company will reportedly offer the latest version of the iPod soon.

The new iPod Nano will reportedly feature Wi-Fi connectivity as well as support for the iTunes service of the company. Speculations have emerged hinting at the possibility that the upcoming refresh of the iPod Touch will feature support for NFC technology or near field communication technology.

Apple enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to before the end of the year although much of the focus has been on the iPad Mini and the latest version of the iPhone.

Latest Report Point To October Launch For iPad Mini

iPad Mini

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Earlier reports had pointed to a September 12 launch of the iPad Mini alongside the iPhone 5 of Apple.  However a recent report has pointed to a possible launch of the smaller version of the iPad in October.

The report indicated that the iPad Mini will be launched by Apple in October after the September 12 launch of the next-generation iPhone. This was revealed recently by allthingsd.com citing a number of anonymous sources.

Numerous reports in the past had pointed to an event that is scheduled to be held on September 12 that will introduce the iPad Mini together with the iPhone 5. Reports have even indicated that the new iPhone will become available for consumers by September 21.

However the wisdom of the September 12 launch event for the two Apple products was questioned by some industry watchers since it may water down some of the excitement in the release of one device. But these reports remain uncertain since Apple has not even officially confirmed the existence of the iPad Mini or the iPhone 5.

If the October launch date for the iPad Mini is accurate, it may allow Apple to focus its promotional work on the iPhone 5 in September before introducing the smaller version of the iPad by October.

Rear Camera Hinted By Supposed iPad Mini Cases

iPad Mini

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A number of iPad Mini cases that have reportedly appeared in the market in China appear to offer support for cameras both in front and the back. This was revealed by Giz-China.com, a blogging website.

Earlier reports have not hinted of a camera for the iPad Mini even as the iPad Mini cases being sold in China offer support for it.

The supposed iPad Mini cases that were posted on Giz-China.com feature a clip made of plastic on its rear cover, which hints of a possible rear-facing camera for the device. However it does not take a LED flash into consideration. The front part of the cases also hint if a FaceTime camera located along the top center portion of the display. This is similar to the 9.7-inch model of the iPad.

The supposed iPad Mini cases also show a slimmer bezel for the upcoming device compared to the current model of the iPad. The headphone jack and mute switch have been positioned on the left side of the device while the volume control is on the right.

The iPad Mini cases also show that the speaker is found at the bottom instead of the back. The upcoming device may also have a smaller-sized dock connector, which is consistent to recent reports that indicate that the dock connector of its devices will be shrunk to use around eight pins.

For the moment, these reports are mere speculation and the iPad Mini cases being sold in China may not have been designed based on the actual product and may have been based on the reported features of the next model of the iPad.

Industry watchers are currently on a wait-and-see stance when it comes to the upcoming iPad Mini of Apple, which will reportedly launch the device next month.

Should Apple Launch the iPhone 5 and iPad Mini In One Event?

iPhone 5

Recent reports have pointed to the possible same day launch for the iPhone 5 and iPad Mini of Apple. The two new Apple products will reportedly be introduced by the tech giant on September 12.

Previous product launches of Apple have been quite dramatic and some industry watchers are thinking that the iPad Mini may be the ‘one more thing’ that the company will offer during the launch of the iPhone 5. Initial sentiments on the possible launch of the iPhone 5 and iPad Mini on September 12 were positive even as speculations were raised on the possibility that the company will also introduce the latest model of the iPod Nano.

However a Philadelphia-based writer has wondered out loud whether Apple will be introducing the two products at the event. John Gruber reportedly indicated that Apple may not want reviews for the two devices to come out at around the same time.

Gruber indicated that it may be possible that two events may be held by Apple when it will introduce the two products. One event will feature the iPhone 5 together with the iOS 6 while the second event will feature the iPad Mini along with a new model of the iPod Touch.

Introducing the two devices at the same time will likely put a number of die-hard Apple fans in a quandary. It may have a significant effect on their budget particularly those who have a fixed salary, which may not be enough to cover the cost of acquiring both the iPhone 5 and iPad Mini.

The iPhone 5 may be considered by a number of industry watchers as one of the must-have products of Apple and offering the iPad Mini together with it may water down the excitement over the next generation smartphone offering of Apple. It may also give Apple enthusiasts something to look forward to especially with the successful release of the Samsung Galaxy S3 in the global market.

However it may also be possible that the iPhone 5 may not meet the expectations of everyone and offering the iPad Mini may reduce any dissatisfaction that consumers have for the next version of the iPhone.

All of these, of course are speculative until Apple will finally launch the iPhone 5 and iPad Mini next month. In the end, Apple will likely offer a device that will have consumers wanting for more.

According to recent reports the iPhone 5 will become available in stores by September 21 and the iPad Mini will also appear on store shelves at around the same time.

Apple iPad Market Share Dominates Second Quarter

iPad Market Share

It appears that the market share for the iPad of Apple is bigger compared to the combined share of all of rivals in the market. According to HIS iSuppli, the iPad market share is around 70 percent for the second quarter while its closest rival, the Samsung Galaxy Tab only has 9.2 percent of the entire tablet market.

The data released by the research company showed that 17 million units of the iPad of Apple for the second quarter compared to 2.3 million units shipped for the Samsung Galaxy Tab. The third and the fourth slots were taken by Amazon and Asus respectively. Amazon garnered only 4.2 percent of the tablet market while 2.8 percent went to Asus. This means the iPad market share is over two times bigger compared to its competitors.

According to Rhoda Alexander, the tablet and monitor research director of the company, the iPad market share gives indications that the company has made all the suitable moves to dominate the market.  The iPad market share may be further increased with reports on the upcoming release of the iPad Mini.

Reports on the upcoming release of the seven-inch model of the iPad will allow the company to the iPad market share to expand to the market for smaller-sized tablets.

Even as Microsoft and Google are set to challenge the dominance of Apple in the tablet market, industry watchers are expecting the company to maintain its share of the market. In fact another research company has indicated that the iPad market share will be over sixty percent for the year, which is an increase from its share from last year.

Users of the older models of the iPad have also been tempted to upgrade to the current models of the device due to the inclusion of the Retina screen display and 4G LTE network support for the current model of the device. This has allowed the iPad market share to be maintained by the company.

The iPad market share has made up most of the 24.4 million units delivered around the world for the second quarter. This is an increase from the 20.3 million units delivered in the first quarter of the year.

Survey Shows iPhone 5 More Popular Than iPad Mini

iPhone 5

CouponCodes4u conducted a survey recently to find out which of the two still-unannounced Apple products is more popular. The results may not surprise some industry watchers since the upcoming iPhone 5 was the more desirable device compared to the iPad Mini.

The survey showed that the iPhone 5 will become the foremost product of Apple in terms of sales despite the fact that the company has not yet officially confirmed their existence. The margin between the iPhone 5 and the iPad Mini was reportedly wide in the survey that included 1,900 individuals.

Around 78 percent of the participants opted for the iPhone 5 with a number of the respondents indicating that the smartphone will be more useful for them. Some of the respondents even raised some questions on the usefulness of the upcoming iPad Mini.

Although the iPhone has being considered as a luxury item, it has been a rather successful product offering of Apple. This is due to the fact that a smartphone is a rather useful device for most if not all owners of the device. It is without a doubt that the iPhone 5 and the iPad Mini will become successful after they are finally released into the market in the coming month as what recent reports have hinted.

However it should be taken into consideration that the iPhone 5 and iPad Mini survey is not a true cross-section of all consumers in the market since over 75 percent of the survey participants already own a product from Apple while 64 percent reportedly own an iPhone. Around 40 percent of the respondents of the survey already have an iPad.

Although the iPhone 5 was considered to be the most desirable Apple product in the recent survey around 21 percent have indicated that they are thinking of giving their children an iPad Mini.