iPad mini may have a 4490mAh battery

A recent report by MacRumors states the website has received images of the battery of the Apple iPad mini. The photos indicate that the tablet will run on a 4490mAh battery.

As per the report, “MacRumors has received a pair of photos showing what is claimed to be the battery from Apple's forthcoming "iPad mini". The photos show a battery carrying a model number of A1445 and an Apple part number of 616-0641. The battery runs at 3.72 volts, offering 16.7 Whr of energy on 4490 mAh of charge".

4490mAh battery found here

MacRumors is quick to point out that the images are possibly not authentic, but they appear to be in line with the batteries on other Apple products. The report also adds that the proportions of the battery appear to fit what is expected for the iPad mini.

The report goes on to add, “The 16.7 watt-hour capacity for the iPad mini battery unsurprisingly places the device between the iPhone 5 at 5.45 watt-hours and the third-generation full-size iPad at 42.5 watt-hours. Given that the iPad mini has been said to be based more on the iPad 2 and lack a Retina display, the iPad mini's battery may be more appropriately compared to the 25 watt-hour battery of the iPad 2.”

Battery appears to fit the proportions of the iPad mini

The report concludes by claiming that this battery is definitely not an official part, as it features a variety of place holders for regulatory text, but it could be the final design awaiting certification.

The iPad mini is expected to come with both Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity options like previous iPad models before it. 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.

That being said, 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.