Apple has sent out invitations for a media event next Tuesday October 23 at the California Theatre in San Jose, where it is expected the company will unveil the long-rumored 7.85-inch version of the iPad. The invitation includes the Apple logo on a colorful background and reads "We've got a little more to show you."
The event will take place six weeks after Apple unveiled the iPhone 5. Though it's uncharacteristic for the company to hold two major launch events this close together, the decision not to launch both devices in September might have had something to do with Apple not wanting to dilute the attention these products command, and the challenge of ramping supply and manufacturing for both products at the same time.
So, what can we expect on Tuesday? The latest iPad Mini rumors point to a 7.85-inch device in several configurations spanning memory capacities from 8GB to 64GB, Wi-Fi-only or 3G/4G models, and two color options. The device is expected to feature a smaller bezel than the full-sized iPad, front and rear facing cameras, the new Lightning connector, and an iPad 2 class screen resolution of 1,024-by-768 pixels. Pricing for the base 8GB, Wi-Fi only model could be anything from $250 at the lowest point to $350 at the highest.
Besides the smaller iPad, Apple is also expected to unveil a 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display, and might give the Mac Mini a long overdue refresh – after all they're already tossing the word 'little' into the invite.