Just because Apple has now announced the New iPad, it does not mean that the iPad rumours can stop. Instead, they are turning to future iPad tablets, such as a smaller model. New reports now suggest that this smaller iPad could be even smaller than originally expected. Instead of the 7.85-inch display suggested so far, VentureBeat sources report that Apple will use a 7.1-inch display.
As VentureBeat points out, the smaller 7.1-inch display differentiates it better from the current and larger 9.7-inch model. It would also allow Apple to more directly compete against 7-inch Android tablets such as the Kindle Fire. Apple is apparently “particularly keen” on responding to the threat of the Kindle Fire as it is estimated to have sold about 6 million units over the holidays (and likely stolen more than a few sales from Apple).
Once asked about a smaller iPad, Steve Jobs famously said, “The reason we won’t make a 7-inch tablet isn’t because we don’t want to hit a lower price point, it’s because we think the screen is too small to express the software.” It would not be the first time that Apple has changed its mind.
Read more: Venture Beat