Tech giant Apple announced that it will hold a media event on October 23 and hinted about the release of an iPad Mini.

The company did not specify what it has planned for the media event. Its invitation said only that it has "a little more to show you." However, speculations claimed that the firm will show off the long-awaited iPad Mini.

The iPad Mini is reported to be the new little iPad will feature a 7.85-inch IGZO display with 330 pixels/inch, 1024 x 768 resolution. It will be more affordable. It is also assumed that the new tablet will feature Apple's upcoming operating system, iO6.

Putting iOS 6 in the mini tablet will include a new, Google-free Maps app, and Passbook, and promises better Facebook integration, better maps, and better video conferences that use cellular data, according to Entrepreneur.com. It is also said to have a smaller dock connector and thinner bezel. It may also feature a music service similar to Pandora radio, WiFi, and Retina Display.

Rumors claimed that iPad Mini will cost around US$299 and US$349, which is more expensive than its rivals Google Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire HD that starts at US$199. With the aforementioned features as well as the timing, iPad Mini can be the new cash cow of Apple.

Below are some of the reasons why iPad Mini serves best to Apple.

  1. It is cheaper. One good thing about iPad Mini is that it cost less than the original iPad with a speculated tag price of US$299 and US$349. With this price, some people can now afford an Apple device.
  2. In time for the holidays. The timing of the release is just perfect. Holidays are coming and people are looking for new devices for themselves or for others.
  3. iPod is phasing out. A smaller iPad might be a replacement option for customers who might otherwise buy the somewhat expensive iPod Touch. Believe it or not, the iPad Mini might just cannibalize iPod Touch sales before it hurts the new iPad.
  4. Brings younger target market. Smaller tablets appeal to kids. Parents tend to buy the cheaper slates for their children so they will not play with or break more expensive devices. Apple, seeing an opportunity there, could be trying to capitalize on that trend.
  5. Halo effect. Apple continues to sell new mobile products because it understands that those devices typically help it sell other devices. iPad owners are more likely to be iPhone owners. Folks who buy those products might be more willing to buy a Mac. That strategy of capitalizing on the so-called "Halo effect" has proven quite profitable for Apple so far.