We’ve been here before. Every time something comes out that looks as though it’s going to legitimately challenge the iPad on some level, the gossip weavers begin to spread word on a mini iPad being readied in Cupertino. Is this rumour any more reliable? Well, one thing’s for sure: Google has just changed the market in a huge way…
As is usually the case, today’s iPad Mini rumours have emanated from China, where Apple’s supply and manufacturing partners are. This particular manifestation of the iPad Mini myth has a 7.85-inch display hewn from Sharp’s IGZO technology, and will land in the Autumn.
The price? It’s rumoured to be between $249 and $299. That’s notably more expensive than the $199 (£159) Google Nexus 7, which is an interesting point because battling that particular tab would be the reason for a 7-inch iPad to exist.
iPad Mini? Nope; not gonna happen
It’s no exaggeration to say that the Nexus 7 has shaken up the market. Its pricing is ludicrously low for such a polished device, and it signposts a future where cheap Android tabs can no longer afford to be cheap by virtue of being crap.
That could well worry Apple enough to enter the space. The sexy-but-small Nexus 7 certainly can’t compete with the iPad on some levels, nor is it particularly trying to, but anyone who just wants a tablet (regardless of its abilities as a computer replacement) will no doubt be swayed in Google’s direction.
Still, we’ve gone on at length about why an iPad Mini won’t happen in the past, so we’re going to remain highly sceptical. Do you think Apple needs to dip into the 7-inch market to fight the Nexus 7? Let us know below.
