The upcoming iPad mini rendered in 3D based on reports and leaked schematics

Following our report yesterday with information about the iPad mini’s design, specifically that the iPad mini would look like a larger iPod touch (with skinnier bezels than the full-sized iPad), we’ve made some 3D renders.

These renders, courtesy of designer Maurizio Vitale, are based off of our reported information. More importantly, however, is that these renders are also based off of the leaked iPad mini schematics from July, which basically match our information from sources.

The height, width, screen-size, and more were all calculated based on those aforementioned schematics. Better yet, we’ve also got an iPad mini render that compares the device in size to the current Retina display iPad with a 9.7-inch display. That comparison is also based on the dimensions garnered from the schematics.

[Source: 9to5Mac]

iPad Mini display production slated for August, says analyst

The gears could start to turn as early as this month for the production of a smaller iPad.

Production of the 7.85-inch display slated for use on a smaller version of the iPad should begin in August, an analyst told CNET.

"We expect panel production to start in August, with production ramping up to high volumes (more than a million units per month) in the fourth quarter," said Paul Semenza, an analyst at NPD DisplaySearch, in response to an e-mail query.

Semenza said this is DisplaySearch's "understanding of the activity for the 7.85 [inch] panel expected to be used in the iPad Mini."

If this production schedule plays out, it could indicate a late 2012 launch, he said.

Recent reports say the so-called iPad Mini will launch in September.

While the downsized iPad is being characterized as a 7-inch tablet like the Google Nexus 7, a screen size falling between 7 and 8 inches -- such as 7.85 inches -- would likely make the Apple tablet closer to the larger 8.2-inch Motorola Xyboard.

No solid word yet on pricing, though a report claimed it "is likely to sell for significantly less than the latest $499 iPad."

Whatever the exact price is, it's safe to say that the $199 Google Nexus 7 would be seen as a direct competitor to a smaller iPad.

[Source: cnet]

iPhone 5 and iPad Mini to be Announced on September 12th with iPhone 5 Release soon after

iMore reports that they have heard that the next generation iPhone, new iPod nano, and all new 7.85" iPad mini will be announced on September 12th. They also pinpoint the actual launch date for the next iPhone as September 21, 2012. iMore has heard that Apple is planning to debut the new iPhone at a special event on Wednesday, September 12, 2012, with the release date to follow 9 days later on Friday, September 21. This information comes from sources who have proven accurate in the past. The next-generation iPhone, which is frequently referred to as the "iPhone 5", is expected to have a taller 4" screen as shown in the above photo. Rumors have also suggested the inclusion of high speed LTE wireless networking.   While we generally refer to the next iPhone as the "iPhone 5", if Apple follows the example of their most recent iPad release, they may drop the numbering scheme with every new iPhone release. The 3rd generation iPad was simply called "the new iPad" in all press materials. Similarly, it seems likely that Apple will simply refer to the next iPhone as "the new iPhone".   While the 7.85" iPad mini has been long rumored, there has been a notable increase in the frequency and volume of rumors related to the product. The smaller iPad is believed to help Apple fill a cheaper price point in their tablet lineup.   iMore has been an accurate source of release date information in the past. They previously pinpointed the iPad 3 launch date as well as pre-order date for the iPhone 4S.

[Source: Mac Rumours]