Apple Likely to Launch iPad Mini at Event Next Week

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Apple has sent notices inviting members of the press to an event next Tuesday. The company is expected to unveil a smaller version of the iPad dubbed the “iPad Mini.”

CNN’s Brandon Griggs reported, “Apple sent e-mails to members of the press Tuesday that read simply, ‘We’ve got a little more to show you. Please join us for an invitation-only event at the California Theatre in San Jose on October 23 at 10:00 a.m.'”

Ars Technica’s Jacqui Cheng noted, “It has long been rumored that Apple would introduce a 7.85-inch version of the iPad this year before the holiday season, even though the company’s release cycle for the iPad typically happens in the springtime. Unsurprisingly, Apple has not commented publicly on the iPad mini, but the rumor mill has pointed to it not having a ‘retina’ class display like the current version of the (full-sized) iPad. There are also rumors that Apple may introduce updated Macs during the event.”

Andrea Chang from the Los Angeles Times observed that the announcement had a positive impact on Apple’s stock price. “In the weeks since the launch of the iPhone 5, the company’s stock entered so-called correction territory, slipping to $628.10 on Thursday from an all-time intraday high of $705.07 on Sept. 21. Apple’s market value has fallen about $52 billion to $609 billion.” She added, “On Tuesday [after the invitations went out], the company’s shares rose $15.03, or 2.4%, to close at $649.79.”

And CNET’s Steven Musil said that an EU retailer has already leaked a product page with prices and configurations for the iPad Mini. “The page — in German — lists pricing for various configurations in euros, presumably with Europe’s 19 percent value-added tax already factored into the price,” he stated. “Prices will start at 249 euros ($322) for a Wi-Fi-only 8GB iPad Mini, with other memory configurations of 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB also available. The high-end 64GB cellular version is listed at about $650, presumably with 4G LTE capability.”