iPad Mini Price Revealed: Tablet to Start at $329?
The iPad Mini's pricing scale may begin at $329.
9to5Mac is now reporting that its insider sources have indicated that the device will sell for $329 at launch in the U.S.
The two higher capacity models will retail for $429 and $529.
These three price points apply directly to the Wi-Fi only models, as Apple will also release versions of the Mini tablet that connect to cellular networks.
Those three models will sell for $459, $559, and $659. The major U.S. networks expected to carry the iPad Mini include AT&T and Verizon, who already provide service for the third-generation model.
Apple is expected to unveil the new iPad Mini at a special media event on Tuesday, Oct. 23.
Invites to this iPad Mini event were sent out last week, which confirms that the company will actually be releasing the mini tablet after about a year's worth of rumors and leaks.
The invitation reads "we've got a little more to show you," pointing to something small or shrunken down.
Another device expected to debut at this event is a 13-inch MacBook Pro with a Retina display, which will join the 15-inch model that was released by Apple earlier this year.
However, the iPad Mini is still expected to be the star of this show.
The tablet is expected to be priced between $199 and $299 in order to compete with other small tablets including the Barnes and Noble Nook HD, Kindle Fire HD, and Google Nexus 7.
The long-rumored iPad Mini was reportedly seen by a Wall Street analyst while he visited component suppliers in Asia.
"We actually had the opportunity to play with a pilot iPad Mini used by one of the vendors," said Topeka Capital analyst Brian White. "This 7.85-inch iPad Mini fit our hands like a glove and we were easily able to tuck the device in our sport coat, offering consumers a more mobile iPad experience."