iPad Mini May Only Be a WiFi-only Device

News
By Zak Islam
published

Word on the street is that the much-rumored iPad Mini may not have 3G or 4G connectivity.

Apple's iPad Mini may only be available in a Wi-Fi version, according to industry sources that spoke to the Guardian newspaper.

The Guardian cites unnamed industry sources that say will be Wi-Fi only. These are the same sources that talked about a revised 4G LTE iPad for the UK's Everything Everywhere network. Though it may seem like an odd decision, the omission of 3G or 4G makes sense if Apple is seriously considering launching a device into the more affordable segment of the tablet market. After all, Google's Nexus 7 was launched as a cheap-as-chips competitor to Amazon's Kindle Fire, and it was WiFi-only, too.

October 17 is the alleged date the iPad Mini will be announced, with the device's production commencing in preparation for a fourth quarter release.

Contact Us for News Tips, Corrections and Feedback           

Zak Islam
19 Comments Comment from the forums
  • UVB076
    Don't we already have that? Isn't it called a "iPod Touch"?
    Reply
  • kawininjazx
    UVB076Don't we already have that? Isn't it called a "iPod Touch"?
    It's an iPod Touch XL
    Reply
  • guess who
    Does not make sense at all. More portable but worse connectivity? Should be the other way around.
    Reply
  • rebel1280
    hmm not sure how i feel about this... on a side note, any news on W8 7 or 8 inch tablet?
    Reply
  • rebel1280
    kawininjazxIt's an iPod Touch XLhey iPod Touch XL's need love too /sarcasm :P
    Reply
  • teh_chem
    I wouldn't be surprised if this were a wifi-only device. I think a lot of people are turned off of "large" tablets, but are okay sacrificing if they get a data connection. Offering a "fully loaded" mini ipad could potentially cannibalize their standard (and more pricey) ipad sales.

    I'm sincerely interested in how this (alleged) device is going to fit into Apple's device and price-point logistics. Joking aside, this does sound just like a large ipod touch. But being that the large ipads start at $499, and the ipod touch starts at $299 (and capping out at $399), there doesn't seem to be a huge price-point gap in their lineup where the 7" ipad makes a whole lot of sense.
    Reply
  • extremepcs
    iPod - Magnum
    Reply
  • jcurry23
    apple is stupid
    Reply
  • memadmax
    If you build it, the iSheeple will come....
    Reply
  • UVB076
    To be honest, they should do it like the original iPad, a wifi only model and a 4G model.
    Reply