Apple may introduce 24 iPad variants at event on October 23

With Apple set to showcase the iPad mini on October 23, speculation is now rife about the products that would be showcased along with the 7.85-inch tablet. As per a report by 9to5Mac, the website has received a list of iPad mini stock keeping units (SKU), which show 24 different, upcoming iPad models.

As per the report, “According to the list that shows four variants (P101, P103, P105, and P107), it appears Apple is set to launch four different models of the iPad mini in each capacity and colour. With rumours of a Lightning connector in an updated iPad 3, it is possible two of the four models are for that. The models listed are also marked “Good,” “Better,” and “Best,” which seems to indicate there are three storage capacities.”

24 different models differentiated by type

The upcoming iPads are likely to be available in white and black colour options. The 9to5Mac report notes, “With the three storage capacities, four models, and lastly—two colors denoted by “A” and “B” (likely black and white), Apple will launch 24 new iPad models.”

The listing also displays that Apple will sell 10 packs of iPad minis to education at a discount.

There was speculation that Apple would host an event at the end of October to unveil the highly-anticipated iPad mini. These rumours have just turned out to be true as Apple has sent out media invites for an event slated for October 23 with the caption, ‘We’ve got a little more to show you.’

The invite could mean that Apple has more gadgets in the offing for the year 2012. This invite also confirms a recent report, which stated that Apple would be hosting an event on October 23.

As per an earlier report published by AllThingsD, “Apple will hold a special event this month, at which it will showcase a new, smaller iPad. People familiar with Apple’s plans tell us that the company will unveil the so-called “iPad mini” on Oct. 23 at an invitation-only event”.

As far as the rumours of the iPad mini go, it appears that the Cupertino-based brand is not holding back any punches with this smaller iPad, and launching it in various storage capacities such as 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, and the top-of-the-line model at 64GB of internal storage. The top of the line iPad mini is expected to be sold at approximately €649 for the 64GB Wi-Fi plus cellular version. The cheapest model, an 8GB Wi-Fi only version is believed to retail for approximately €249.

It is also believed that the Apple event will also play host to a number of other announcements, which include the updated line up of Macs and on the software front, iBooks.

The iPad mini event is likely to have a strong focus on iBooks. It makes sense, as the iPad mini would likely be squarely aimed at those who wish to partake of media on their tablets. The primary purpose of such a smaller tablet would be to act as a medium for Apple’s content, namely iBooks publications and movies.