iPad Mini event rumored for Oct.17 (with a November retail release)

Apple should soon start sending out invitations for an October event announcing the iPad Mini, according to an unnamed major Apple investor who spoke to Fortune’s Philip Elmer-DeWitt.

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Apple hasn’t made any official mention of a smaller version of its 10-inch iPad despite many rumors and potential iPad Mini mockups that have leaked online over the past month. Many speculate that the new device could sport a 7.85-inch screen and sell for a lower price, as VentureBeat previously reported.

The invites should go out Oct. 10 for a Oct. 17 event date, according to Fortune’s sources.

If true, this unveiling would come a month after Apple’s announcement of the hotly anticipated iPhone 5. It makes sense for the company to stage a separate event for the iPad Mini because it could have overshadowed the iPhone 5’s initial debut. Also, announcing the iPad Mini in October would mean that it still had plenty of time to build buzz going into the holiday shopping season. The report indicates that Apple could begin selling the iPad Mini device by Nov. 2.

VentureBeat has yet to receive any word from Apple about an event, but we’ll make sure to update you (either in this post or in a future article) if and when we do get an invite.

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