Apple to launch iPad Mini in October: Bloomberg

Apple is preparing to launch a smaller iPad in October to take on tablets like Amazon’s Kindle Fire and Google’s Nexus 7, Bloomberg reports. This is not the first time we are hearing plans about the “iPad Mini” but Bloomberg actually has a couple of sources on record talking about it along with the launch time line.
According to the report, the iPad Mini will have a smaller display between 7 and 8-inches diagonally and will be of lower resolution than the current iPad. Apple could probably price the iPad Mini around $199, matching those from Amazon and Google, which was one of the major reasons why users were buying the Kindle Fire and would probably look at buying the Nexus 7.
Despite Steve Jobs’ initial reluctance to go for a smaller tablet form-factor, it seems Apple has realized there is a market for a 7-inch tablet. Many users find the iPad on the larger side and prefer smaller tablets as they are easy to hold and can fit in most handbags and blazer pockets.
The October time line suggests Apple could launch the iPad Mini and the next generation iPhone simultaneously, which could effectively ruin its competitors’ holiday season plans.