Rumors that Apple is on the verge of producing a smaller version of its iPad are circulating once again. Reputable media sources including PCWorld, Bloomberg, and The Wall Street Journal have all cited unnamed “people familiar with the situation” who claim that Apple’s suppliers in Asia are gearing up for mass production of a smaller tablet in the fall.
iPad Mini vs Google’s Nexus 7
Talk of an iPad mini began not long after Apple introduced its 9.7” tablet to the world back in 2010. In fact, rumors surfaced as recently as November that Apple would take on Amazon’s 7” Kindle Fire by producing a better quality 7” tablet of its own. Obviously, that didn’t happen.
Now that Google has announced it will release a 7” device of their own in July, it seems many can’t help but speculate that the industry giant will stomp out the competition with a far superior yet inexpensive 7” iPad mini.
Innovation not Imitation
It’s anticipated that a smaller iPad would compete directly with, and take market share from, Google’s Nexus 7 and Amazon’s Kindle Fire. But really, how likely is it that Apple will produce a tablet that even the late Steven Jobs said was a bad idea? Then again, Jobs was famous for debasing products right before Apple released a similar “revolutionary” product.
One thing that bothers me about the “iPad mini” rumors is that Apple is all about innovation – not imitation. Apple is the trail blazer, the top dog, the leader to follow. Apple’s strategy has rarely been reactionary; however the tablet market is anticipated to grow by an astounding 85% in 2012. Certainly, that may give Apple enough reason to consider producing a lower-priced tablet designed to reach the masses.
Small Tablets are the Future.
PCWorld recently featured an article by Mike Elgan who stated, “It has become clear that there are major markets for two sizes: An iPad size in the 10-inch diagonal range, and a smaller size in the 7-inch diagonal range.” Elgan goes on to explain that the two different sizes serve distinctly different purposes. The larger, more expensive device is likely to be used for work and heavy-duty tasks at home, in the office, and in Wi-Fi locations.
The smaller, less expensive tablet could be taken to the beach or the park because the affordability of such a tablet will allow people to use it on the go with less concern for damage or theft.
Only time will tell whether Apple agrees with Elgan’s analysis, though those eager for an iPad mini have suggested the slate could be 7.8” on the diagonal. If so, that would be approximately 40% larger than other 7” tablets, making it a bit heavier and less portable.