Apple plots iPad mini launch to steal Amazon thunder

Rumours mount that iPhone vendor is planning a 17 October launch to stick one in the eye of Amazon

Rumours are mounting that Apple is set to launch a mini version of the iPad before the end of the month to keep rival Amazon at bay.

Several articles published today suggest 17 October as a launch date – a week before Amazon launches its Fire tablet range in the UK. Apple is also hoping to put a dent in Google Nexus sales.

The Wall Street Journal published an article today suggesting Asian manufacturers have already started mass production of the new device.

As ChannelWeb mentioned last month, Apple Premium Resellers (APR) helped stoke the rumours, believing the device will be priced at about £199. A tranche of emails from Asian case manufacturers to the APRs added weight to the rumours.

The iPad mini launch will come just weeks after the iPhone 5 was finally released to the masses last month.