iPad Mini Event Reportedly Scheduled for October

We're only weeks away from an alleged September 12 event where the iPhone 5 may finally see the limelight. But as that assertion grows more and more likely, the Apple rumor mill is heating up in regards to a new, smaller iPad. According to a couple new reports, not only is the dwarfed tablet named "iPad Mini," but the device will receive its own reveal event in October.

Last week, tech bloggers were waxing about the merits of Apple splitting the little iPad away from a September iPhone 5 event. The primary argument centered on the company getting more marketing bang for the buck by allowing each device to shine on its own.

According to Macotakara (via CNET), an "Asian source" has confirmed to the Japanese site the name of Apple's little tablet is, in fact, the "iPad Mini." Could it be this is a case of bloggers guessing the correct name? Or maybe Apple just grew attached to the rumored moniker.

The same source also claims the iPad Mini will shrink down to 7.85 inches and feature the normal Apple logo on the device's back. 

A separate report from AllThingsD seems to support the concept of separate events for the little iPad and iPhone 5. According to unnamed sources, Apple will hold the iPhone event on September 12, with an iPad Mini announcement slated for October. If further rumors hold true, the iPad Mini won't be revealed until after the iPhone 5 hits the streets on September 21.

Of course, absolutely none of this is really "confirmed" until Apple makes its intentions a little more clear. Despite mounting evidence and the assurances of multiple unnamed sources, Apple has yet to even confirm the existence of the September 12 iPhone event. 

That said, if the smaller Apple tablet is real, the iPad Mini name makes obvious sense. But the company does like to pull a fast one, now and then; the third-gen iPad does't have a three in its name. Maybe Cupertino pulls another strange move and just calls this tablet "iPad," too.

Regardless, we'll likely have some answers within the next couple weeks. Fall 2012 could turn into an amazing season for iOS devotees.

Follow this article's author, Matt Clark on Twitter.

 

(Image Credit: FastCompany)

 

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