Rumor: 7.85-inch iPad ‘Mini’ to feature Sharp IGZO display

This isn’t the first (and likely not the last) time we’ve heard of Apple supposedly prepping a 7-inch ‘iPad Mini’, but hey, maybe this is the year that it’s actually going to happen. According to the usual ‘various analyst’ sources, Apple is going to launch a smaller iPad later this year. And it’s going to be cheaper too, with a price point that looks to contend with Amazon’s popular Kindle Fire line as well as Google’s just-launched Nexus 7.

Interestingly, the new report does mention a few specifics this time. They’re reportedly going to use a 7.85-inch Sharp IGZO panel with a 330 ppi density. If true, then it certainly sports a common feature with Apple’s recent crop of Retina-rocking products.

The small iPad is also said to fall in the $249-299 range, and is set to launch later this year. While the price is relatively higher than what Google is asking for on the Nexus 7, Apple fans have historically been willing to pay a little bit more for their products.

Despite the rather specific screen details, treat this report like you would with any of the older rumors: with a healthy pinch of salt.

[via UnwiredView]

Update: A Bloomberg report also talks about a smaller iPad that’s set to launch in October. Their sources talked about a different screen though, detailing a non-Retina 1024 x 768 resolution to keep the prices down between $199 and $249.