Apple's so-called "iPad mini'' is scheduled to debut in October, according to a news report.
Apple’s next generation iPhone and “iPad mini” will be unveiled at two separate events this fall, several sources tell All Things D. The smartphone is slated to be released in September, with the smaller iPad scheduled for an October debut, according to the report.
There's been lots of chatter about whether Apple will launch a 7-inch tablet that would compete with Amazon's Kindle Fire and Google Nexus 7, which both retail for $200 — decidedly more affordable than a full-size iPad that starts at $499 and measures 9.5-inches high. (More: Apple Launching $200 Tablet to Compete With Nexus 7?)
The anticipated releases of the next iPhone, and possibly smaller iPad, would come amid the tech giant's victory last week in a key patent case against Samsung Electronics. (More: How Apple Overwhelmed Samsung's Patent Case Tactics.)
As more consumers shift from desktop to to mobile devices, the tablet wars are gaining steam. In June, Microsoft unveiled its own tablet, which will run on Windows 8, a new operating system. (More: Move Over Apple—Microsoft Shows Off Own Tablet.)
Apple did not immediately return an email seeking comment.
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