Apple expects big things from the smaller version of its tablet device.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the company has placed an order for more than 10 million units of the reported cheaper edition of the iPad.
All previous iPad models measure in at the 10.1-inch size, but thanks to competitors like the Nexus 7 and the Kindle Fire, Apple is now facing increasing pressure to create a cheaper device that can stand toe-to-toe with these smaller tablet devices.
It was recently reported that Apple plans to officially unveil the 8-inch iPad Mini on October 17 in San Francisco. It’s believed the tablet will go on sale in late October, with the date October 26 being reported as the likely launch date candidate.
According to the report, the miniature iPad will have a 7.85-inch display, making it slightly larger than a Kindle Fire or Nexus 7 but not incredibly so.
The resolution is apparently 1024 x 768 and it would be capable of playing all the same apps that anyone can access on the iPad or iPad 2.
Obviously, apps that utilize the new iPad’s Retina Display technology would not be compatible. And thus opens what could be the biggest problem with launching an iPad Mini.
There have been other reports that iPad Mini production is falling behind schedule. So far, Apple hasn’t said a word about this and the company still hasn’t sent out invitations to any sort of event later this month.
