Taiwan's United Daily News reports [Google translation] that Apple has received samples of 7.85-inch screens carrying the same 1024x768 resolution of the current iPad. The report (via Unwired View) claims that AU Optronics and LG Display have sent samples of the display to Apple, which is reportedly targeting a launch for the "iPad mini" early next year.
Previous mockup of a 7-inch "iPad mini"
It is unclear how Apple and its developers would handle a considerably smaller screen for this iPad mini at the same resolution as the current iPad. While maintaining the current resolution would mean that iPad apps would display natively on the iPad mini, the interface elements would be somewhat smaller than on the iPad, a reduction that could introduce usability issues in some cases.
Steve Jobs had also famously panned 7-inch tablets from competitors, claiming that roughly 10 inches was the minimum screen size needed for a useful tablet.
Apple has been said to be interesting in fending of Amazon's new Kindle Fire tablet, which is launching next month at a $199 price point. Ticonderoga Securities analyst Brian White had noted just last week that his research among Asian suppliers is indeed pointing toward Apple releasing an "iPad mini" early next year to take on the Kindle Fire. White cautioned, however, that the "mini" moniker was in reference to the device's price rather than necessarily meaning a smaller device.
Regarding Apple, our research is pointing to the unveiling of a lower priced iPad in the first few months of 2012 that is aimed at expanding the company’s market potential by tapping into a more price sensitive consumer segment. Essentially, this “iPad mini” will also fend off the recently announced Amazon Kindle Fire that addresses the low-end tablet market with a $199 price tag but could lead to bigger tablet ambitions from the online retailer in the future. The "mini" refers to a reduced price point of this iPad and not necessarily the size of the device. We believe this lower priced iPad could be priced in the mid-to-high-$200 range.
Apple is widely rumored to be preparing to introduce the iPad 3 early next year, a device which is said to carry a Retina display with 2048x1536 resolution. A smaller iPad at the lower resolution of the current iPad could enable Apple to lower entry-level price points for its tablet products if it does indeed view Amazon as a significant threat.
Top Stories
New Low-Cost 'iPhone SE' Could Launch as Soon as Tomorrow
Apple's 2020 MacBook Air vs. 2020 iPad Pro
AirTags Referenced in New Apple Support Video
Intel Unveils 10th-Gen Processors Suitable for Next 16-Inch MacBook Pro With Wi-Fi 6 and Turbo Boost Speeds Above 5GHz
Apple Paid Hacker $75,000 for Uncovering Zero-Day Camera Exploits in Safari
Apple Offers Employees Deep Discounts on HomePod, Beats Headphones and More
iPhone 8 Screen Protector Updated With 'iPhone SE' Compatibility on Apple's Online Store
Apple Adding Some 2013 and 2014 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro Models to Vintage Products List at End of April
Zoom Updates Mac App Installer to Remove Controversial 'Preflight' Installation Method
Top Rated Comments
(View all)There's not even any evidence here except some analyst talking out of his butt.
"Apple has been said to be interesting in fending of Amazon's new Kindle Fire tablet".
Shouldn't that be "Apple has been said to be interested in fending of Amazon's new Kindle Fire tablet"?
This is obviously a photoshopped image. It's an image of 1 iPad, with a scaled, duplicate image laid over the original. Notice that the border and home button are scaled to about 70%, which suggest that it's fake. What PROVES that it's fake is the reflection in the top corner. That is also scaled to about 70%. The reflection would not be smaller, just because the screen is smaller. It would be the SAME SIZE as on the larger iPAD. This is as FAKE as it gets.
It says it's a 'previous mockup'. Does nobody actually read any more?
Right before they announce the Apple Flying Pig.