Tomorrow, Tuesday, October 23rd is the big day! Among other things, Apple is expected to announce the “iPad Mini” at their media event on that day. What will it look like? What are the specs? How many models will be available? Will it include the Retina Display? Let’s take a look at what we think we can expect from the iPad Mini.
First, will it be called the iPad Mini?
This seems to be the accepted moniker for the upcoming device. Apple has proved us wrong before though, (Apple 4S instead of 5, and “new iPad” as opposed to iPad 3 come to mind), but the smart money seems to be on “iPad Mini” (or “mini”).
Possibility: Very Good
It will be just like the current iPad, just smaller
The 7.85-inch display is going to be the same 4:3 aspect ratio as the full size iPad. It’s going to look like someone put an iPad under a shrink ray and hit it with a short burst. Sure, Apple could go with a taller screen like they did with the iPhone 5, but it just doesn’t make sense, why mess with the aspect ratio? Everything written for the iPad will display just fine on the 4:3 ratio iPad Mini.
Possibility: Excellent
It will NOT have a Retina Display
Again, makes no sense to include a Retina Display. It’s believed that the iPad Mini will be manufactured on closer margins than either of the present iPad models. Gotta keep costs down. Besides, all of the “leaks” so far have indicated the same 1024X768 high resolution display as the iPad 2.
Possibility: Excellent
It will have 4G LTE Cellular capabilities
All indications are yes, the various pricing grids we’ve seen all have enough models listed to point toward the standard iPad “both Wi-Fi Only models, and Wi-Fi/Cellular models” lineup. It doesn’t make sense for Apple to include cellular capabilities and only make it 3G capable, as they’ve been able to squeeze 4G LTE into the iPhone 5 this go-round. It also doesn’t make sense to not include cellular capabilities in the device, so…
Possibility: Very Good.
It will have the same A5 microprocessor as the iPad 2
The Mini should have an A5 chip powering it. Without the Retina Display, the device just doesn’t need an A6 to move pixels around on the screen. The A5 should have more than enough horsepower to make the Mini a quick little device.
Possibility: Very Good
It will be available in 16MB, 32MB, and 64MB storage capacities
Yes, due to the pricing grids we’ve seen with “Good, Better, Best” options listed, and the fact that 8GB just isn’t going to be enough to store the increasing large iOS app files, we’ve gotta lean towards the 16, 32, 64 matrix.
Possibility: Excellent
The new Lightning Connector will be included in the device
This one isn’t rocket science. Apple is not going to introduce a new connector to the industry, and then only use it on some of their devices. This one is a lock. They may even introduce a revised “New iPad” that includes the Lightning connector. 50/50 on that one.
Possibility: Excellent
Front and rear facing cameras
Yeah, this is a cinch. Apple isn’t going to introduce an iOS device that’s not capable of doing FaceTime. This is a REALLY good bet.
Possibility: Excellent
Apple’s media event officially kicks off tomorrow, Tuesday October 23, at 10:00 am PT. Apple is widely expected to unveil the iPad Mini at the event, as well as iTunes 11, new iMacs, Mac Minis, and a 13-inch version of the Retina MacBook Pro.
Stay tuned to MacTrast for the latest coverage!
