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iPad Mini Launch Date: What Not to Expect

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Apple is expected to launch a number of products at an event rumored to be taking place on October 23rd. That event is supposedly going to be centered around a new Apple product, a 7.85-inch tablet now called the iPad Mini. While we’ve already taken a look at what to expect from the iPad Mini event, it’s now time to take a look at what not to expect.

The iPad Mini has long been rumored to be arriving to take on the Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire HD tablets in the 7-inch display realm. It would also join Apple’s current iPad, the third-generation 9.7-inch iPad, on shelves.

Read: iPad Mini Rumors: Latest on Release Date, Name, Specs.

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The iPad Mini will likely launch on October 23.

Currently, the iPad Mini is rumored to feature a 7.85-inch display that may not be a Retina Display, at least 3G connectivity, 16GB, 32GB and 64GB models, and a price tag that may wind up being around $300 for the model with the least amount of storage space. It’s supposed to feature a design similar to the iPod touch wherein it will boast smaller bezels on the sides.

And while most leaks and rumors have zeroed in on its specifications, we also now have a date that’s looking good for its launch. Several publications including All Things D, The Loop, iMore and Reuters have all confirmed October 23rd as the iPad Mini’s launch date and while Apple has not yet sent out invitations, we expect it to do so soon, possibly as soon as tomorrow.

We aren’t sure of all the details regarding the event just yet but we know enough about Apple and about the products that it will likely be announcing to make some predictions about what to expect from the iPad Mini event.

A Date Later Than October

At this point, Apple has not yet confirmed the iPad Mini launch date but with several reputable publications confirming the October 23rd launch date, the holiday shopping season coming up and a rumored October 29th announcement from Google regarding the Nexus smartphone and quite possibly a new 32GB Nexus 7, a launch date outside October at this point is looking extremely unlikely.

Live Stream

Unlike competitors like Samsung, who stream live events of their product launches, Apple is notorious for keeping their events locked down to those in attendance. Only after the show does the company post the full video of the show.

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Apple launch events typically follow a similar format.

With the iPhone 5 launch event, we didn’t see the normal leaked live streams that usually pop up on various websites and we don’t expect the situation to change with the iPad Mini launch.

There may be unofficial live streams, but don’t expect much from them in terms of quality and reliability. Instead, those hoping to follow along with the event will have to do so through the usual live blogs.

Deviation from the Norm

Do not expect this event to deviate from the script of a typical Apple event. This means that Tim Cook will take the stage first, welcome those in attendance, and then jump right into some feats performed by Apple.

Generally, those have to do with sales and this time around we expect Cook to tout the sales of the iPad over its Android brethren. After all, this is a tablet-oriented event.

We may also see Cook talk about sales of the iPhone 5 as well.

Once those are discussed, expect various Apple executives to take the stage to talk about the iPad Mini and the various other products that Apple will likely be announcing at the event.

The iPad Mini Only

While the iPad Mini figures to be the centerpiece of the event, we don’t expect it to be the only device announced at the event. In fact, the iPad Mini might be joined by two other anticipated devices.

One is the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display, a device that would compliment the current 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display, by offering a cheaper price tag and a lighter, thinner design.

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The 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display may launch on October 23rd.

The other product that’s rumored is a refresh for the Mac Mini, this according to 9to5Mac. It will apparently come with new storage options, improved processors and release dates soon after the event is over.

Something else to watch for is a refreshed new iPad with a Lightning Dock, the same smaller dock found on the iPhone 5. This is not as heavily rumored as the two other products but it remains a possibility.

Lack of a Pre-Order Date

As with all Apple product launches, we expect the company to offer up a pre-order opportunity for those that are looking to get the new iPad Mini on release day. And if the launch is anything like the new iPad’s, those who want the iPad Mini in the relatively near future will want to think about picking up a pre-ordered iPad Mini.

Most major Apple product launches sell out very quickly and once that happens, the devices see their shipping dates pushed back. For example, the current waiting time for an iPhone 5 is two to three weeks.

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The iPad Mini will likely feature the same Lightning dock connector found on the iPhone 5.

We’re heard that Apple may have made an effort to quell supply issues this time around but those who want to buy one of these for the holidays will likely want to invest in a pre-order.

We don’t know when this pre-order date might be, but if October 23rd is indeed the day of the event, we expect that it could come just a few days after, perhaps on Friday, October 26th.

Lingering Mysteries

Don’t expect Apple to hold anything back in terms of the details about the 7-inch iPad Mini. Unlike announcements from its competitors, Apple typically announces release date and pricing details at these launch events. We don’t expect anything different to happen with the iPad Mini.

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Expect the iPad Mini to join the current iPad soon after launch.

Apple will likely offer up release date details in several launch regions and attach pricing as well.

1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. inse

    10/19/2012 at 10:21 am

    Nexus 7. <3

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