Low Cost iPad Mini: Would Apple Offer a Cheaper Mini?

Low Cost iPad Mini: Although Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has a solid grasp on the mini tablet market, there is no denying the fact that the competition is heating up. In addition to tablets from Amazon and Google, Samsung has gotten in on the action with its Galaxy Tab 3.

With the competition taking aim at Apple, it will be interesting to see if the Cupertino based company makes any changes to its strategy to solidify its spot at the top.

While nobody knows for sure what Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has planned for its popular iPad mini, some believe that the company could be considering a lower priced device.

This could be the type of change that the tablet market is looking for. Not to mention the fact that it would go a long way in pleasing investors, as they have been keeping an eye out for the next big thing from the company.

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has published a research note taking a closer look at the future of the Apple iPad, including the mini and the possibility for a cheaper alternative.

At this time, it appears that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has pushed back the release of the next iPad mini to the fourth quarter. But not without good reason. Cupertino may be making this decision to give it enough time to add a Retina display.

Here is a portion of the note, as published by MacRumors.com:

“Prior to iPad mini 2 launch, Apple might roll out a more affordable iPad mini to compete with Android products. To cut costs, Apple might push for lower component prices, use a more advanced process to produce the A5 processor, simplify metal casing production, remove the rear camera, cut storage to 8GB and find more component suppliers to lower costs. We think this cheaper iPad mini retail for US$199~249.”

As you can see, Kuo believes that a cheaper iPad mini could actually make its way to market before the iPad mini 2 launch. This would make for an interesting second half of 2013, as it would give Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) a push forward by two new devices.

If you recall correctly, many consumers were hoping that the original Apple iPad mini would be priced in this range. Unfortunately, Cupertino was nowhere close with a starting price of $329.

What’s the conclusion?