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.
Charles Starrett was a senior editor at iLounge. He's been covering the iPod, iPhone, and iPad since their inception. He has written numerous articles and reviews, and his work has been featured in multiple publications.