iPad Mini Release Date This October Says Analyst

The iPad Mini will be released in October and will have a price tag of $299, says Andy Hargreaves of US analyst company Pacific Crest.

His report states, "…we expect Apple to launch a 7.85” iPad in October. We anticipate an entry-level 7.85” iPad with 8GB of NAND capacity to price at $299…" Hargreaves says there could be two versions of the Mini: 16GB and 8GB but suggests that a single 16GB model is more likely because this would offer a bigger profit margin.

Hargreaves expects the new iPad to sell 35 million units in its first full year on sale (2013), with a quarter of those sales 'cannibalising' the current iPad market; essentially there will be an impact on sales of the current iPad but the Mini would grow iPad sales overall.

The development of a smaller version of the iPad has been rumoured for some time now, and, with the release of Google's 7"-screen Nexus 7 tablet in July, the timing would perfect for a new size iPad.

Hargreaves also says there is likely to be a 'slight refresh' of the new 9.7" iPad in October with 'slightly updated' screen technology, a new camera position and a better battery life.

Apple will also cease production of the iPad 2 from the winter, according to the report, with the iPad Mini taking its place in Apple's iPad line up.

Thanks, Cult Of Mac