We’ve told you recently that Apple maybe pushing for a smaller iPad next year. That was after reading some rumors that the company was in fact already working with suppliers in manufacturing the iPad Mini. That probably raises some excitement especially those who’ve been looking forward to a smaller iPad. But then Wedge Partners analyst Brian Blair is playing spoiler on this fun by pronouncing that the 7-inch iPad that we’ve been dreaming about won’t come into fruition after all.

Through AllThingsD, Blair said that we shouldn’t be expecting an iPad with a 7-inch screen next year. Although Apple has been testing this for a year now, it is very unlikely that it would push for production of such. Blair reminded us of the late Steve Jobs’ criticism for tablets with smaller form factor than the current iPad. Blair also notes Jobs’ statement about the 9.7-inch display as the minimum size required to create tablet apps.

Jobs also said once discounted the fact that the reason Apple doesn’t want to create a smaller iPad is because they don’t want to bring down the price point of tablets.

Blair somehow agrees on such statement and said that if Apple wants to hit a lower price point, the company might as well lower the price of the iPad 2 while at the same time release the iPad 3 instead. Blair believes that Apple can lower the price of the iPad 2 to as much as $340 to $399 range for the 16GB model.

Of course, this is just an analysis coming from an Apple outsider. The final decision will still have to come from Apple and hopefully all this rumors will be put to a rest once Apple is ready to unveil the next iPad early next year.

Related Posts: