Tech News: The next iPhone and “iPad Mini” rumored to be announced September 12

With the rumors flying for over a year about the inevitable release of the next iPhone, it looks like we finally may have a date to put all those to rest. According to iMore, Apple is expected to schedule an event for Wednesday September 12^th where they will debut the new iPhone and the (also much rumored) iPad Mini. Coming from “sources who have been accurate in the past”, the release date of the new iPhone is set for 9 days later, Friday September 21^st, and could include the iPad Mini as well. Historically, Apple has debuted new iPhone models in early-mid October. So if this date proves to be correct, it would indicate another major shift in Apples business practice in the post-Steve Jobs era. Some of the rumored specifications of the next iPhone include a larger, 4-inch display, 4G LTE, a smaller, 16-pin dock connector/charger and a faster processor just to name a few. The final build of iOS 6 is also expected to make an appearance, as well as the next generation iPod Nano. With a little over a month to go, all that’s left to do is play the waiting game.

What do you want to see in the new iPhone? Let us know in the comments!

Source: iMore

“iPad Mini” rumors in full swing

Just as Google/ASUS’s Nexus 7 begins its assault on the tablet market, early reports indicate that Apple is preparing a smaller, 7 to 8-inch version of its widely popular iPad tablet to combat with the likes of the Nexus and Amazon's Kindle Fire. According to the Wall Street Journal, Apple's parts suppliers in Asia are readying for “mass production” of a tablet, with a form factor smaller than that of the current iPad models. While these are still rumors with no official announcement from Apple, from a market standpoint, this would be a smart move for the Silicon Valley giant to make. While the iPad holds the top spot in tablet sales, Amazon's Kindle Fire is also quite a hot item, in large due to its $200 price tag. And with the Nexus 7 becoming widely available (also with a $200 sticker), Apple is beginning to see some serious competition in the tablet game. The entry level iPad 3^rd generation (newest model) retails for $500, but if Apple was able to cut a hefty chunk out of that by offering a smaller, “mini” version, that would put them among the ranks of the Fire and Nexus, and may win over quite a few minds (and wallets), once again reasserting their dominance at the top of the mountain. One things for sure. When manufacturers compete, we all win. 

Source: WSJ