The iPad mini is taken by many – including consumers – as a definite future product. To me, it’s still a rumor until Apple announces it officially.
You just can’t be too sure what’s up Cupertino’s sleeve when it comes to new devices. Leaks, rumors, “evidence” and speculation all points to an almost certain iPad mini launch at some point this month. The latest comes from WSJ.
Some component suppliers to Apple in Asia say they have received orders to make more than 10 million units of the smaller tablets in the fourth quarter. That is roughly double the order that were placed for Amazon’s Kindle Fire tablets in the same quarter, these suppliers say.
Although it’s certainly interesting, I’m still not convinced. It’s not that I don’t think it makes complete sense. If Apple’s marketing team is running this product, it’s almost certain that they’re pushing for it.
Imagine having almost complete domination over the tablet and MP3 player markets? Mind-share is impressive already with the iPad. In fact – consumers often call any tablet an iPad.
It’s the Hoover equivalent of the post-PC market, and it’s only existed for 2 and a half years. If this is true, Apple has a chance to push their tablet market share up past the 75% mark. I mean, who’s going to spend $200 on a Nexus 7 when you can get an iPad mini for – presumably – a little more cash?
On the other hand, it’s normally Jony Ive’s design team that’s running the future of Apple devices. And, if they can’t make a smaller iPad that’s genuinely better than its competition, they won’t bother releasing it. What do you think? Do you see a space in your life for a 7″ iPad?
