Reports claim Apple to start production of 7.85-inch iPad in Q3 2012

There have been rumours about Apple launching a smaller iPad, for quite some time with the size expected to be either 7 or 8 inches. Reports state that the brand is preparing to launch a smaller iteration of their tablet to battle the increasing competition from other slates, such as the Kindle Fire. As per a recent report by Digitimes, the website has added a little more fuel to the this fire by claiming that industry sources have informed them that the production of a 7.85-inch iPad is scheduled to begin by the third quarter of 2012.

iPad may come in a smaller form factor

The website states, “The planned launch of the 7.85-inch iPad is apparently to take on Amazon's US $199 7-inch Kindle Fire as well as a comparable model from Barnes & Noble, although Apple already took up nearly a 60% share of the tablet PC market in 2011, indicated the sources. The price of the 7.85-inch iPad is likely to be set at US$249-299, since Apple is also expected to release an 8GB iPad 2 for US$349-399, and has lowered the price of the 16GB iPad 2 to US$449, the sources noted.”

With the launch of the iPad 3 being just round the corner, further details of what to expect has been revealed by sources of Digitimes. The website states that there will be just two versions of the iPad 3 - the 16GB and 32GB version. There is no mention of a 64GB model or a 128GB version. These two models - 16GB and 32GB are expected to be launched as Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi with 3G models. This keeps it in line with the previous generations of iPads. Sources have informed Digitimes, “In addition to iPad 3, Apple is also expected to unveil an 8GB iPad 2, allowing the tablet PC series to cover different segments and to defend against Windows 8-based tablet PCs. Since Apple has put high hopes on its new iPad 3 and has been aggressively placing orders, iPad 3 shipments in the first quarter of 2012 are expected to double from original estimates.”

Let us know your reactions to Apple possibly launching a smaller iPad as well as the introduction of an 8GB iPad in the comments section below.