Reports point to ‘iPad mini’ launch

Two new reports have reiterated that Apple plans to launch a sub 8-inch iPad before the end of the year. Citing people with knowledge of the plans, Bloomberg reports that the new model will have a screen that’s between 7 and 8 inches in size diagonally, and may be announced in October. The report also states that the new product will not have the “high-definition” screen seen in the third-generation iPad. In a separate report, the Wall Street Journal cites people familiar with the situation as it states that the device will sport a screen smaller than 8 inches in size. The report goes on to claim that Apple and its component suppliers are preparing for mass production to ramp up in September, which suggests a launch later this year. Apple has long been rumored to be working on such a device; the frequency of reports suggesting a near-term launch have increased greatly this year.