New leaked photos of the iPad Mini suggest that the rumored tablet is indeed a real thing.

According to WPTV, new photos claim that the iPad Mini is very real and very ready:

"The tech blog Gizmodo has published pictures of someone holding a working, small iPad in their hand.

It looks very similar to the current 9.7 inch iPad, but appears to be about two-to-three inches smaller in diameter.

The tech blog Information Week says these latest photos appear to be legit. It says they show a smaller iPad with an aluminum shell and slightly thicker edges than the current third generation iPad.

It has two cameras, front and back, and appears to have a small lightning connector, just like the new iPhone 5 (that will not fit current chargers and docks)."

Other photos appeared of the iPad Mini, which Apple is expected to unveil in October. The descriptions were similar to other photos.

According to AppleInsider, Giz-China.com via the website Taobao showed a dummy iPad Mini:

"The mockup device has a thinner bezel than the regular iPad and features a black strip across the top signifying the inclusion of a cellular radio.

On the right side are the expected volume buttons and mute/rotation lock switch. The volume buttons have a new design on the dummy device, featuring two separate buttons rather than the rocker style found on the full-size iPad.

The left side of the dummy device has a micro-SIM slot, but not a nano-SIM slot. The iPhone 5 features a new nano-SIM slot, allowing the device to be thinner and lighter than its predecessor."

These leaked pictures are a sign that the iPad Mini is getting closer to release.

On Sept. 19, reports say that mass production has already started.

An initial article, first published in Taiwan's Economic Daily News and later picked up by a plethora of tech sites, reported that the main bulk of the device's production will be done by Chinese firm Pegatron.

The firm has reportedly secured between 50 to 60 per cent of production orders from Apple, spelling the end of rival assemblers Foxconn's monopoly on iPad production.

Analysts speculate a 7.85-inch product featuring a thinner screen frame to allow a bigger display area as well as a resolution similar to that of the iPad 2.

Apple will be confident of building on the success of its recent iPhone 5 launch which attracted a record breaking 2million pre-orders in just 24 hours.

Recent reports suggest that Apple will unveil the iPad Mini at an event on Oct. 10.

According to MetroUK, Apple will launch the iPad Mini at an event on Oct. 10.

eWeek reported, "By Oct. 10, Misek said he predicts an invitation for an iPad Mini launch event will be mailed out to the media, followed by the formal announcement of the device by mid-October and culminating with the launch of the iPad Mini at the end of that month."  This prediction was made by Jefferies analyst Peter Misek.

As for the price, many say that the device will be priced similar to Apple's new iPod Touch, which is priced at $299 for 32GB, and $399 for 64GB.

According to Ewan Spence at Forbes.com, he believes also that it will be around the same price as the Touch.

"From the evidence today, I'd expect to see a 16GB iPad Mini with Wi-Fi connectivity to launch at $299, with a 32GB model at $399, and a 64GB model at $499."

Reports say the iPad Mini will be more affordable and come with a powerful processor. It is also assumed that the new tablet will feature Apple's upcoming operating system, iO6, which includes a new, Google-free Maps app, and Passbook, and promises better Facebook integration, better maps, and better video conferences that use cellular data and Siri. It is also said to have a smaller dock connector, two speakers, and thinner bezel. It may also feature a music service similar to Pandora radio, Retina Display, and FaceTime.

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