iPad Mini Release Date Now Set for October?

Apple will be launching the iPad Mini at its fourth major media event of the year set to take place in October.

AllThingsD has reported that the smaller version of the tablet will be released just after the company debuts the iPhone at its Sept. 12 event. The site stated that Apple will speak about the device at the earlier event, but will not show it off until next month.

AllThingsD claims to have received the information from a reliable inside source, who is positive that Apple is going to separate the release of the next two big devices to launch from the company.

Daring Fireball's John Gruber was the first to challenge the theory that both devices would debut on the same day. He feels that Apple would never dilute the release of its iPhone with another device.

"I don't think Apple would want reviews of both a new iPhone and new-size iPad appearing at the same time," Gruber wrote. "Why share the spotlight? Why have another Apple product battling with the iPhone for the top sports in news coverage?.. The more I think about it, the less sense it makes for the iPhone to even share the stage at the announcement with any other product."

To him, an iPhone release is more than enough for one media event.

"The iPhone is too big, too cool, and garners too much attention- and it's Apple's interest to keep that attention undiluted," he added.

Apple has a good opportunity to capitalize off the holiday shopping season by releasing two products at separate events just before it kicks off in November.

In order to compete with Apple, Samsung is expected to launch the successor to the Galaxy Note sometime in September along with Amazon, who will release the new Kindle Fire.