Both The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg have previously reported that Apple is working on a new, smaller iPad to compete directly with the Kindle Fire. Today, we’re getting word from a third major news outlet that the smoke we see on the horizon may actually be caused by an actual, real fire, and not some made up smoke machine.
The New York Times is reporting that 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.” So, if the Times isn’t actually playing another round of “Apple Echo Chamber,” and they aren’t playing loose and fast with the phrase “according to several people with knowledge of the project,” then there might actually be some weight to the rumors.
Given the amount of smoke we’re seeing at this point, and the fact that we haven’t all croaked from smoke inhalation, it’s starting to look pretty likely that a new iPad with a smaller form factor is actually on the horizon. An iPad mini makes sense on two fronts. First, it’ll kill off the “it’s too expensive and too heavy” crowd (thank god). And, secondly, it’ll directly compete with the only other tablets on the market that pose any threat to the iPad lineup — the Kindle Fire and Nexus 7 (both of which are $199.00).
A smaller iPad will take the fight to Amazon and Google’s door before they’re able to gain much market share. That, right there, is smart business.
Would you buy an iPad mini if it turns out to be a real thing?
