Apple iPad Mini Reportedly Being Manufactured Exclusively In Brazil

Ever since Google announced it’s 7 inch tablet offering at I/O 2012, iPad Mini rumours have escalated. In the past week alone we have read about many rumours of this elusive tablet. A new report which came out today suggests that Apple will be manufacturing this tablet exclusively in Brazil. The tablet is said to have a form factor similar to that of the iPod touch 4G.

Earlier last year the manufacturing plant in Brazil was completed. This plant was set up in order to divide manufacturing load between the primary Foxconn plant in China and the new one set up in Brazil. It was only until a few months ago that the Brazil plant finally started manufacturing products. Why Apple chooses to exclusively manufacture iPad Mini in Brazil instead of China, is a question that requires a satisfactory answer. It is possible that this plant was set up in the first place for mass production of iPad Mini.

This report comes from a Japanese source which claims to have heard from a reliable source that iPad Mini will be manufactured in Brazil exclusively. Furthermore, this source also states that the device will be slightly wider than Nexus 7, while height will be the same as Google’s new tablet. Apple iPad Mini is rumoured to be thinner than the Amazon Kindle Fire, which is currently the undisputed king of mid-range tablet market. The form factor is said to be similar to iPod touch 4G, which features a svelte form factor.

Regardless of all of these rumours, many still believe Apple won’t actually release a 7.85 inch tablet. Deceased ex-CEO Steve Jobs was quite vocal about his opinions against tablets of such small dimensions. However the company is being spearheaded by operations whiz Tim Cook now, and this device just might mark the beginning of an all new era at Apple.

While rivalling the likes of Kindle Fire and Nexus 7 are considered reasons for iPad Mini, this device could end up serving a much greater purpose. The iPod touch 4G is due for refresh, however we haven’t heard much about it. Given the fact that iPad Mini will be priced moderately between $199 to $299, demand for the iPod touch might subside due to it’s release. This new tablet is slated for release in October, right around the time when Apple is expected to unveil it’s next generation iPhone. Could the company be phasing out iPod touch in favour of the iPad Mini? Only time will tell.