Following the already large number of reports that Apple is indeed working on a smaller version of the iPad (including reports from sources such as Bloomberg and the The Wall Street Journal), The New York Times now adds their own report to the list.
Nick Bilton reports for NYT:
The company is developing a new tablet with a 7.85-inch screen that is likely to sell for significantly less than the latest $499 iPad, with its 9.7-inch display, according to several people with knowledge of the project who declined to be named discussing confidential plans. The product is expected to be announced this year.
The report only mentions that the 7.85-inch iPad “is likely to sell for significantly less than the latest $499 iPad”. Numerous other rumors, however, have offered more specific estimates, suggesting that Apple will may price the device as low as $200-250 to increase competition with Amazon’s Kindle Fire, or Google’s newly released Nexus 7, both of which are priced at $199.
While NYT’s report doesn’t provide any new details (in fact, it’s extremely vague), the fact that a third large media establishment is now backing the “iPad mini” rumor is notable. At this point, the number of credible rumors surfacing about the “iPad mini” all but confirms that the device will be released this year.
It will be interesting to see how Apple handles the launch – especially with the net-gen iPhone anticipated for release this fall (likely in October). And of course, a release before the holiday shopping season would be extremely good timing on Apple’s part…
