Apple iPad Mini to be released on October 23rd with configurations and prices reportedly revealed

After the official release of Apple’s new iPad, there had been rumors about a smaller version of new iPad. Now, everything seems to be quite clear. As rumored, Apple has sent out invitations for a special event on October 23rd, where the company is widely expected to debut a smaller iPad model. As reported, the iPad Mini will come in 12 models with two different colors. The price and detailed configuration of the iPad Mini have also been leaked online for fans to get a pre-acknowledgement.

The invitations indicated that Apple would be holding an event next Tuesday, October 23, starting at 10 a.m. PT, at the California Theatre in San Jose, Calif. The tagline of the invite is "We've got a little more to show you", presumably to unveil the much-rumored smaller iPad model, the iPad Mini.

As reported from AppleInsider, the iPad Mini will ship with four storage options (8GB, 16GB, 32GB and 64GB) and three connectivity choices (Wi-Fi-only, 3G, and 4G LTE models). Plus the two colors (white and black) available, customers will be able to choose from 24 different versions of iPad Mini.

The detailed specs of iPad Mini are also revealed, which would no doubt satisfy every need from people. Prices will start at 249 euros ($322) for a Wi-Fi-only 8GB iPad Mini, with other memory configurations of 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB also available. The high-end 64GB cellular version is listed at about $650, presumably with 4G LTE capability.

Along with an iPad Mini, Apple is rumored to be introducing a 13-inch model of its Retina Display MacBook Pro, as well as updated Mac Minis.

Ready for September 12th Event: iPhone 5, AirPlay Direct and Probably iPad Mini

Previously, there had been rumors that Apple would introduce iPhone 5 on the special September 12th event. Now, from all rumors and sources hot online, this saying seems to be more reliable. On the special September 12^th event, Apple would not only introduce the iPhone 5, but probably other wonderful gadgets as well, including 7-inchiPad Mini and AirPlay Direct, though according to Gizmodo, well-connected and professional Apple dot-connector John Gruber is disputing the previous report about a dual-announcement of the iPhone 5 and iPad Mini and hinting that it makes more sense for Apple to hold two different events and announce the iPhone 5 on Sept. 12th and then wait until October to introduce the iPad Mini.

"First, an iPhone event, focused solely on the new iPhone and iOS 6. Then, the iPhone ships nine days later, and there's another wave of iPhone-focused attention as the reviews come out," Gruber explained. "Then, in the first or second week of October, Apple holds its traditional 'music event,' exactly along the lines of the events at which they've been debuting new iPods for the last decade.

At least we’re sure that the iPhone 5 is most likely to be released on September 12^th event. From the rumors hot online, the next generation of Apple iPhone will be fully upgraded in various aspects. Features of iPhone 5 include:

9 Pin Dock Connector in place of the previous 30 Pin Dock Connector;

Larger screen (probably 4.0 inches compared to the 3.6 inches screen on iPhone 4S), thinner built;

LTE connectivity and faster processor;

NFC and passbook;

No Youtube and Google maps.

Meanwhile, a report on Tuesday claims inside knowledge of a new AirPlay feature Apple will allegedly introduce at its widely rumored Sept. 12 special event, with the new technology allowing users to stream audio directly to HiFi units or speakers without a Wi-Fi network. According to people familiar with Apple's plans, the so-called AirPlay Direct tech will require only an iDevice and compatible audio equipment for music streaming, doing away with the feature's current need of a Wi-Fi network, reports the Telegraph.