iPad 2 News: Next Generation to Include iPad Mini?

Several months ago, there were rumors from Taiwan that Apple was working on a mini-sized version of the iPad, but Steve Jobs scoffed at the idea. Now talk of a smaller iPad is heating up again.

Way back last summer, DigiTimes reported that some Asian suppliers of parts for Apple devices had taken orders for 7” screens that would presumably used for iPads. The Taiwan-based paper predicted that the second generation of iPads would include two models: the original model with the 9.7” display and a smaller version with a 7” screen. Ashok Kumar of Rodman & Renshaw made a similar forecast, seeing an iPad with a smaller screen and dual cameras.

Then in October, Jim Dalrymple of The Loop reported that Apple had already developed a 7” iPad at the same time as the 9.7” original model, but opted not to release the mini version at the same time, stating “it’s already done,” and adding: “Why did Apple choose to go with the larger model instead? Only Steve Jobs knows that for sure. Perhaps Apple didn’t want comparisons to the iPhone or iPod touch. Even though those comparisons were made with the larger iPad, they would have been even more prevalent with a 7-inch model.”

Now it’s obvious that the iPad has established an identity of its own, so 2011 might be the most opportune time to introduce an addition to the line. The popularity of small e-readers like the Kindle and the mini-sized Samsung Galaxy Tab prove there is a market for a smaller device. Now there are more reports from supply chain sources claiming that Apple is developing a device that is “about half the size of the current tablet computer, and will include front- and back-mounted cameras.”

So there are a bunch of rumors pointing towards Apple unveiling a pair of new iPads for 2011—but none of them are from Apple. Steve Jobs has scoffed at the idea of a mini-iPad, claiming the screen would be “too small to express the software.” Of course, he’s changed his mind before. And he’s also lied to throw us off the track of new products before they’re released.