Apple iPad mini might be Wi-Fi only

The unannounced Apple iPad mini will come with Wi-Fi-only connectivity, as per a report published by the Guardian. This diminutive tablet with a 7.85-inch screen would then stray from Apple's long standing tradition of offering devices with cellular connectivity along with Wi-Fi.

The Guardian, citing unnamed sources, reveals that the highly anticipated tablet will be available in only a Wi-Fi option, and no cellular option for either LTE or 3G. “Industry sources indicated to the Guardian that they do not expect to see 3G-capable versions of the iPad mini. That would allow Apple to produce it comparatively cheaply and to limit the top price of the product, while retaining mobile broadband connectivity for its pricier iPad line.”

Expected to be Wi-Fi only

In keeping with speculation that Apple is set to launch a smaller and cheaper version of the iPad, dubbed the iPad mini, it is believed that Apple will send out invites today for an iPad mini press event. Apple may follow its usual scheduling protocol, which indicates a special event may be held to unveil the product on October 17, and the launch would be on November 2. This gives Apple plenty of time to capture holiday sales.

Apple has been losing its market share in the tablet segment to the likes of Amazon with its Kindle Fire, and Google with its Nexus 7 tablet. For Apple to stay in the run, and cater to a customer base that would want a smaller tablet, Apple would have to launch a 7-inch tablet to cement its throne as the leading tablet manufacturer. The Google Nexus 7 tablet is faring exceedingly well in the market and rumours suggest that a 3G version of the tablet may also be in the works. Apple would need to step into this segment to battle the increasing competition from other manufacturers.

Speculating on the competition at hand, while the prices of the Nexus 7 and the Kindle Fire are similar, both of which are Wi-Fi only, the Nexus 7 seems to be the device of choice as it comes with beefier hardware along with access to Android v4.1 (Jelly Bean) as well as future Android releases, as opposed to the Kindle Fire’s Android v2.3 (Gingerbread). However, Apple has its own iOS operating system. When it does announce the iPad mini, it will most likely launch it with iOS 6 straight out of the box.