iPad Air vs iPad Mini: Which Apple Tablet Is Right for You in 2025?

iPad Air vs iPad Mini

iPad Air vs iPad Mini: Which Apple Tablet Is Right for You in 2025?

Are you trying to decide between the iPad Air and iPad Mini? With Apple’s latest updates to both devices, choosing the right tablet has become more challenging than ever. In this guide, we’ll compare the key features of the iPad Air (2024) and iPad Mini (2024) to help you make an informed decision.

Display and Design: Size Matters

When comparing the two tablets, size is often the first factor to consider. The iPad Mini (2024) retains its compact 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, making it perfect for users who prioritize portability. Its resolution of 2266 x 1488 delivers a sharp 326 pixels-per-inch (ppi), ideal for reading, browsing, or gaming on the go.

In contrast, the iPad Air (2024) now comes in two sizes: 11-inch and 13-inch. These larger displays are a boon for digital artists, content creators, and professionals who need more screen space. While the pixel density is slightly lower at 264 ppi, the Air compensates with a brighter display—up to 600 nits on the 13-inch model compared to the Mini’s 500 nits.

Performance: A17 Pro vs M2 Chip

One of the standout upgrades in the 2024 models is their performance. The iPad Mini now features the A17 Pro chip, the same powerhouse found in the iPhone 15 Pro. This results in a 30% faster CPU and 25% improved graphics performance compared to its predecessor.

The iPad Air (2024), however, takes performance to the next level with the MacBook-grade M2 chip. This makes the Air a versatile device capable of handling demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking. If you’re looking for a potential laptop replacement, the Air’s M2 chip gives it a clear edge.

Portability and Weight: On-the-Go Convenience

For users who value portability, the iPad Mini (2024) remains unmatched. Weighing just 293 grams, it’s significantly lighter than the Air, which weighs 462 grams (11-inch) or 617 grams (13-inch). Its compact size makes it easy to carry, slip into a bag, or even use one-handed.

The iPad Air, while still lightweight for its size, is better suited for productivity at a desk or on your lap. Your choice here depends on your lifestyle and how you plan to use your tablet.

Camera Capabilities: Capturing Moments

Both tablets feature a 12MP rear camera capable of capturing high-quality photos and 4K videos. However, the front-facing cameras differ significantly. The iPad Mini retains its 12MP front camera, while the iPad Air (2024) introduces a landscape-oriented 12MP front camera—a first for the Air line.

This new camera placement is ideal for video calls, content creation, and vlogging, giving the Air an advantage for users who frequently rely on their tablet for communication or creative work.

Apple Pencil and Keyboard Support: Creative Tools

Both the iPad Mini (2024) and iPad Air (2024) support the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil USB-C, making them excellent choices for artists, students, and note-takers who need precision drawing or writing capabilities.

The iPad Air pulls ahead with its Smart Connector, enabling seamless integration with Apple’s Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio. This transforms the Air into a true laptop replacement—a functionality the Mini can’t match due to its smaller size.

Storage and Price: Value for Money

Apple has addressed one of the biggest complaints about the iPad Mini by increasing its base storage to 128GB. The Mini now offers options of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, starting at $499 for the Wi-Fi model.

The iPad Air (2024) matches these storage tiers and adds a 1TB option for power users. Pricing starts at $599 for the 11-inch Wi-Fi model and $799 for the 13-inch version. When comparing prices, remember that the Air’s higher cost brings not only a larger screen but also more powerful internals and greater versatility.

Battery Life and Charging: All-Day Power

Both tablets offer impressive battery life, with Apple claiming up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback. In real-world use, the iPad Mini might last slightly longer due to its smaller display consuming less power.

Both devices feature USB-C charging, allowing for faster charge times and compatibility with a wide range of accessories. This is a significant upgrade for users transitioning from older iPads with Lightning connectors.

Which iPad Should You Choose in 2025?

After comparing the features of the iPad Air (2024) and iPad Mini (2024), the decision ultimately depends on your needs:

• Choose the iPad Mini (2024) if:
  • Portability is your top priority.
  • You primarily use your tablet for reading, light gaming, or web browsing.
  • You want a powerful device in a compact form factor.
  • Budget is a consideration, and you don’t need the extra screen space.
• Opt for the iPad Air (2024) if:
  • You need a larger display for productivity or creative work.
  • You’re looking for a potential laptop replacement.
  • You require the extra power of the M2 chip for demanding tasks.
  • You want the option of a keyboard attachment for typing-intensive work.

Both tablets showcase Apple’s latest technology and cater to different user preferences. The iPad Mini excels in portability, making it perfect for commuters, students, and those who are always on the go. The iPad Air, with its larger display and M2 chip, is better suited for creative professionals, power users, and multitaskers.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, whether you choose the iPad Mini or iPad Air, you’re investing in a top-tier tablet that will serve you well for years to come. Consider your usage patterns, budget, and the importance of portability when making your decision. Whichever you choose, you’ll have one of the best tablets available in 2025.

Remember, technology evolves quickly, so keep an eye out for future updates from Apple. For now, both the iPad Mini (2024) and iPad Air (2024) offer compelling options for tablet enthusiasts and professionals alike.

iPhone 17 Release Date 2025: What We Know About the New iPhone 17 Air and Features

iPhone 17 Release Date

iPhone 17 Release Date: What We Know So Far About Apple’s 2025 Lineup and the New iPhone 17 Air

The iPhone 16 series has only just hit shelves, but rumors about the iPhone 17 release date and its exciting new features are already making waves. Tech enthusiasts are buzzing about what could be one of the biggest updates to Apple’s design since the iconic iPhone X launched in 2017.

Among the most talked-about rumors is the debut of the iPhone 17 Air, a sleek, ultra-thin device rumored to feature a larger display, a completely redesigned camera system, and a chassis thinner than ever before. Additionally, Apple is reportedly discontinuing the "Plus" model due to lackluster sales, focusing instead on four core devices: the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the new iPhone 17 Air.

If you’re wondering when the next iPhone will launch, what features to expect, or whether it’s worth waiting for, this article will break down everything we know so far about Apple’s 2025 lineup—and why it might redefine the smartphone game and get you excited about buying a new phone.

iPhone 17 Release Date: When Can You Expect It?

Apple has a long-standing tradition of unveiling its new iPhones in September, typically on the second Tuesday of the month. Based on this pattern, the iPhone 17 release date is expected to fall around September 9, 2025.

That said, Apple hasn’t made any official announcements yet. Until then, all we have are educated guesses based on previous release cycles. If you’re planning to upgrade, mark your calendar—but don’t expect any surprises before September 2025.

What’s New in the iPhone 17 Lineup?

Rumors suggest that the iPhone 17 series could bring some of the biggest changes to Apple’s design in years. Here’s what we know so far about the upcoming models:

The Arrival of the iPhone 17 Air

One of the most exciting rumors is the introduction of the iPhone 17 Air, a completely new addition to the lineup. Described as a sleek, ultra-thin device, the Air (also being referred to as "slim" among some rumors) is expected to feature:

• A 6.65-inch display, slightly larger than the standard iPhone models, using ProMotion technology, 120Hz dynamic refresh rate, and a resolution 1260 x 2740 pixels.
• A chassis thickness of 6mm or less, making it one of the slimmest smartphones ever created.
• A redesigned camera system that breaks away from the traditional bump, offering a more streamlined look.

The iPhone 17 Air won’t replace the iPhone 17 Plus—because there won’t be one. According to leaks, Apple plans to discontinue the "Plus" lineup due to lackluster sales, focusing instead on four core models:

• iPhone 17
• iPhone 17 Pro
• iPhone 17 Pro Max
• iPhone 17 Air

Why Is Apple Discontinuing the iPhone Plus?

The "Plus" model has struggled to gain traction among customers, who often prefer either the smaller, more affordable base models or the larger, feature-packed Pro Max versions. By eliminating the "Plus," Apple can streamline its offerings and focus on delivering devices that better align with consumer preferences.

Thinner Designs Across the Board

Beyond the Air, all iPhone 17 models are rumored to adopt a thinner profile compared to their predecessors. This shift aligns with Apple’s ongoing push for sleeker, more portable devices without compromising performance.

Display and Camera Upgrades

While specifics remain under wraps, insiders hint at significant improvements to both displays and cameras:

• Brighter, more energy-efficient OLED panels.
• Enhanced low-light photography capabilities.
• A single 48MP rear camera and a 24MP front camera, breaking away from the multi-camera setups of other models

Why Should You Wait for the iPhone 17?

If you’re debating between upgrading now or holding out for the iPhone 17, here are a few reasons why waiting might be worth it:

1. A Bold New Design: If you’re tired of the same old look, the iPhone 17 Air promises a fresh aesthetic that could set trends for years to come.
2. Cutting-Edge Technology: From thinner builds to advanced camera systems, the iPhone 17 lineup is rumored to pack innovations that make current models feel outdated.
3. No More Compromises: By dropping the "Plus" model, Apple may streamline its offerings to better meet customer preferences.

Of course, if you need a phone immediately, the iPhone 16 is still an excellent choice. But for those who can wait, the iPhone 17 could deliver unparalleled value.

iPhone 17 Air: Final Thoughts On What Sets It Apart in 2025

Here are some additional noteworthy details about the iPhone 17 Air, highlighting what could make it one of Apple’s most exciting releases in 2025:

• Performance: The iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature the A19 chip (non-Pro version), paired with 8GB of RAM for lightning-fast performance. Storage options will reportedly include 256GB and 512GB, catering to users who need ample space for apps, photos, and files.
• Connectivity: It may be only the second iPhone—after the SE 4—to feature Apple’s in-house 5G modem chip, which could improve connectivity speeds and reduce power consumption compared to third-party modems.
• Premium Pricing: The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to carry a price tag of $1,299, potentially making it more expensive than the iPhone 17 Pro Max. This positions the Air as a luxury device aimed at tech enthusiasts and design-conscious buyers.
• Design Focus: Unlike previous models that emphasized hardware upgrades, Apple is reportedly prioritizing innovative design for the iPhone 17 Air. With its ultra-thin profile and reimagined aesthetics, the Air aims to stand out as a fashion-forward, high-performance device.

Apple iPhone 15 Release Date

Apple is well known for releasing new versions of its flagship iPhone mobile phone in the fall of each year. The exact release date is never known for sure (especially this early in the year) and it has become customary for Apple to keep the surprise in their back pocket - typically announcing just before the product is released.  That said, industry insiders "reliably" leak information well ahead of the launch, so count on 2023 being no different!

Again, it's all rumor and conjecture until Apple formally announces their new iPhone release date, but by the time they do, history tells us their shiny new package will be mostly unwrapped - giving us a pretty good idea of what they have in store for their next generation phone!

Until then, it's fun to let the iPhone rumors fly and get lost in a video of what the year may bring ... iPhone 15 Release Date and Price.

Apple iPhone 15 Release Date

More iPhone 15 Rumors and Speculation

It is also rumored that the iPhone 15 may cost more than the iPhone 14 and Apple's current mobile phone line, due to the current state of the economy and supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic over the last few years. As this space continues to mature and technology continues to evolve in leaps and bounds, I'd expect to see a leveling of prices around costs we've become accustomed to. 

Over the past number of years, Apple has expanded its product line of iPhones, iPads, and Watches to meet the needs of a much larger consumer base.  From their flagship iPhone Pro Max, to the rumored new iPhone 15 Ultra (perhaps Apple will follow in the footsteps of the naming convention they used for their 2022 watch line - introducing the new Apple Watch Ultra) down to the affordable iPhone SE, anyone looking to buy a cell phone will find one in Apple's ecosystem that's competitive with the likes of Google, Samsung, and the other major cell phone manufacturers.

Apple's iPhone Release Date History

Until we know more, here's the actual iPhone release date - looking back at what Apple has done over the last number of years.  If you want to get a comprehensive view of iPhone's evolution and launch dates from when Steve Jobs first brought it to us in his keynote speech, look no further than Wikipedia.  Yes, it's a rabbit hole and easy to get lost in the weeds, but it will give great perspective on how Apple has gone about releasing their iPhone.

iPhone Release Date History

Again, it is way too early to make any reliable predictions about the upcoming iPhone features or release date, but I'd be surprised if Apple deviates from what they've done in recent history and we can anticipate that upgrades will be incremental (focusing on IOS software updates, screen viewability, and speed enhancements with the next generation of Apple silicon.

Speculate away about the iPhone 15 release date, but take everything with a grain of salt at this point!

iPhone 5 Release Date Is Upon Us?

Invitations are here just in time to tease us for the new iPhone 5 release date.  Yes, save the date, Wednesday, September 12, 2012, will mark Apple's special event where all indications point to the unveiling of their next generation iPhone, the new iPhone 5.

According to Jim Dalrymple over at The Loop, the invitation he received "says the event will take place at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts at 10:00 am."

If you haven't had a chance to see what appears to be Apple's next generation iPhone, check out the video below!

Samsung Galaxy S3 Release Date

Yes, details are beginning to firm up on the Samsung Galaxy S3 release date.  Not only is the Samsung Galaxy S3 going to be released in London, but it's going to be the official smartphone of the 2012 Summer Olympics!

Rumors have it that, prior to the actual Samsung Galaxy release date, Samsung will unveil their new Galaxy S3 in London, on May 3, 2012, at the Samsung Mobile "Unpacked" event.

According to BGR, inside sources are also indicating that major launches could be occurring in New York, Seoul, and Dubai.

Clearly, Samsung is looking to play off of the success of their previous Samsung Galaxy smartphones and want to make a big splash with the new Samsung Galaxy S3.

In terms of launch details, the new Galaxy S3 is expected to ship in two color options (white and black / blue), running a 1.5GHz Exynos quad-core processor, communicating with a 4G LTE radio, sporting a 4.8" full HD display, and housing an 8 megapixel rear camera / 2 megapixel front facing camera.

As would be expected, the Samsung S3 is also expected to be released running Android's 4.0 Ice Cream sandwich operating system at looks like Samsung will be getting rid of the plastic backing for a ceramic and / or metal backing!

iPhone 4S Record Sales - Who's Really Disappointed?

As the reality and disappointment in the tech community set in that Apple wasn't going to be releasing a new iPhone 5, just a modified iPhone 4, consumers came away from the Apple special event with clearly a different take as evidenced by their actions when they got their first chance to preorder a new iPhone 4S.

The iPhone 4S pre-order period ended with record sales surpassing (by nearly 400,000 units) the record sales set forth during the iPhone 4 preorder period.

"CUPERTINO, California—October 10, 2011—Apple® today announced pre-orders of its iPhone® 4S have topped one million in a single day, surpassing the previous single day pre-order record of 600,000 held by iPhone 4."

Why such a disconnect between the media takeaway of the Apple Special event and the consumer who clearly ignored this negative sentiment with an overwhelming eagerness to get their hands on a new iPhone 4S?  Really, the answer is quite simple.

Needless to say, Apple has built quite a reputation on creating quality products.  Whether you're a fan of them or not, you can't deny that their products connect with an overwhelming number of consumers.  If you're a techie, you can gripe that the iPhone is limited in customization options (without jailbreaking), but, in being objective, you have to admit that the iPhone is solid in nearly every aspect from form to function.  There's little disagreement that it's the industry standard (even if you're an Android fan).

If you're a consumer, you're not worried about any (or at least most) of these technical nuances.  When you take your new iPhone out of the box, it looks great.  You turn it on, it looks even better.  You immediately go to use it and there's virtually no learning curve in getting started with the basic functions.

If you view the iPhone 4S from this vantage point, let's look at what you get.  The iPhone 4S has the same great design that the iPhone 4 had, but it will be faster, loaded with new software features, a better camera and video recording capabilities, and a new voice operated assistant.  Of course the consumer's reaction is going to be, "Wow!".  Your friend loves their iPhone, there's no way I'm not going to love the new one even more!  You get my point.

For the most part, the general consumer is not overly concerned and, in many instances, may not even be aware of all of the small details that come under the hood of the new iPhone 4S.  They may not realize that it's essentially twice as fast as the iPhone 4, boasting 7x improved graphics performance.  They may not even understand what the new notification system and iMessage software enhancements will mean to them in terms of improved performance and overall usability.  They may not even realize that Siri software is the foundation behind the new voice operated assistant.  These are mere details that the tech community delves into and is left to sort out while the consumer is going to stick with the general tag lines that Apple and Apple owners market so well.

From the tech side, they were widely anticipating and eagerly waiting for the "oh, there's one more thing" and the "one more thing" was supposed to be the new iPhone 5.  When that didn't show, neither did their overwhelming excitement and positive reviews for the new iPhone 4S!

Charlie Rose on Steve Jobs Legacy (Video)

On 9to5Mac, I ran across this video discussing Steve Jobs' legacy (they picked it up from Bloomberg).  Charlie Rose talks to Google's Eric Schmidt, Marc Andreessen, co-founder of a venture capital firm, and Wall Street technology columnist, Walter Mossberg.

9to5Mac states that this video is "probably the best discussion of Jobs and his legacy that I've seen yet." After watching it, I'd have to agree.

Regardless of your personal feelings regarding Apple and what you may or may not know about Steve Jobs (the man), his death is undeniably profound in terms of how our lives and the way we communicate have been forever changed due to his direct influence on the evolution of the technology products we use today.

iPhone 4S Pre-orders - Apple Sold Out!

Only a few short days ago, most reviews from tech insiders were rather critical of Apple's announcement of the new iPhone 4S.  It was widely anticipated that Apple was going to release a new iPhone 4S, but it was also expected that Apple would unveil a new iPhone 5.  That didn't happen.

As for consumers, they clearly have a different take on Apple's announcement!  iPhone 4S pre-orders are already sold out internationally and here in the states.  1-2 week shipping times are now being indicated on Apple's online store website.

AT&T has also announced that they've seen "extraordinary demand" for the new iPhone 4S with preorders topping 200,000 in the first 12 hours!  The press release goes on to state that these numbers make the iPhone 4S the most "successful iPhone launch" that AT&T has ever had.  In comparison, the iPhone 4 had a total of 600,000 preorders (in total, across all wireless carriers).

Things are looking pretty good for Sprint, too.  They've already sold out of the 16GB iPhone 4S model.

Samsung Nexus Prime Release Date (Delayed)!

Not long after we got to spy Google and Samsung's future flagship smartphone on video, this official statement was released:

"Samsung and Google decide to postpone the new product announcement at CTIA Fall. We agree that it is just not the right time to announce a new product. New date and venue will be shortly announced."

As one would expect, there's been a ton of media coverage surrounding the new iPhone 4S unveiled this past week and the sudden passing of Steve Jobs has only added to the heightened media coverage.  In view of this, I suspect Google and Samsung feel that the Nexus Prime announcement would get drowned out.

Samsung Nexus Prime (Caught on Video)!

If you've been waiting for the Samsung Nexus Prime release date, it looks like you're going to have to wait a little longer, but, in the meantime, it's been caught on video so you can get a small glimpse of what we have to look forward to.

It's not a long video, but, nonetheless, it gives us a taste of Samsung's latest creation powered by Google's next generation Android operating system (Ice Cream Sandwich).

We're looking forward to the launch date on this one. If you're an Android fan, how could you not be?

Samsung Nexus Prime Caught on Camera

Considering all eyes are peeled and anxiously awaiting today's special Apple Media Event, let us not forget that there are other smartphones out there, specifically what looks to be our first glimpse of the Samsung Nexus Prime!

There's no doubt that nearly any leaked Samsung Nexus Prime photo (really, any smartphone other than the iPhone for that matter!), would probably get lost in the shuffle today in consideration of the expected unveiling and announcement of the iPhone 4S release date and / or iPhone 5 release date, but this leaked Nexus Prime pic (courtesy of GSMArena.com) is also going to get lost in the shuffle because, as you can see, it doesn't reveal too much.  Nonetheless, the much anticipated Google flagship smartphone has been caught on camera. Check it out!



GSMArena.com also claims to confirm that the Nexus Prime will come with an HD, Super AMOLED, 720p resolution touch screen that measures 4.6" on the diagonal!  The pic does also reveal that there will be no physical buttons on the phone.  Other than that, there's not much more to infer from this leak.

However, we do expect to see much more of the Samsung Nexus Prime in the coming days.  In fact, it's widely anticipated that the new Nexus Prime release date will be announced next week at the Samsung Unpacked Event scheduled for next Tuesday, October 11.

In the meantime, we can thank GSMArena for the Nexus Prime teaser.  If you're a smartphone aficionado and don't want to have anything to do with the iPhone, you're definitely going to want to take a serious look at this one!

Kindle Fire Pre-orders Top 95,000 on Day One!

Back on September 28, 2011, Amazon unveiled their new Android Tablet named the Kindle Fire and made it immediately available for preorder sales.  And, according to eDataSource (a market research and intelligence company), consumers responded with a fair bit of enthusiasm to take advantage of the Kindle Fire pre-order sales to secure their new Amazon Android Tablet!

"eDataSource, a leading provider of online competitive intelligence, estimates that sales of Amazon’s new Kindle Fire reached 95,000 units during the first day that the device was made available through Amazon’s website.

...

The launch of the Kindle Fire, priced at $199, was announced on September 28 by Amazon and made available for pre-order immediately on the Amazon website. Shipments will take place starting in November. Simultaneous with the launch of the Fire, Amazon announced three other new Kindles, with prices of $79 for the new Kindle, $99 for the new Kindle Touch, and $149 for the Kindle Touch 3G.

Despite the higher price point, the Kindle Fire outstripped sales of the other three new Kindle units combined, according to eDataSource’s estimate. eDataSource estimates that sales of the other new Kindle units totaled approximately 25,000 units during the same period."

If you're looking to take advantage of the Kindle Fire pre-orders, click the link below to buy a Kindle Fire now!  Otherwise, you'll have to wait a bit longer for the new Amazon Kindle Fire release date!

Amazon Kindle Fire Release Date

Yes, the new Amazon Kindle Fire release date is coming soon, very soon!  To be exact, the official Kindle Fire launch date will occur on November 15, 2011.  However, you can pre-order Kindle fire today over at Amazon!

If you're not overly familiar with the Kindle Fire, it's the first Amazon Android Tablet.  It's considered to be in the Kindle family (as clearly given away by its name), but it's not the original Amazon Kindle eBook reader, nor is it built with the same premise in mind in terms of user experience.  It's an actual tablet PC, like the iPad .... well, sort of!

Going head to head and spec for spec, the new Amazon Kindle Fire is not going to overshadow the iPad.  However, in terms of price, the Kindle Fire will intice and intrigue many consumers.  Yes, there are iPads for sale at great prices now, since we're two generations down the road and waiting (some of us anxiously) for the next generation release, but those prices are nearly double that which you're going to be able to buy a Kindle Fire.  In fact, the Kindle Fire is coming to the market at only $199.  Check it out!

In short, if you want one of the best Android Tablets, but don't want to pay over $500 for a device that you don't necessarily have to have, the Kindle Fire is going to be very attractive.  Additionally, the Kindle Fire will allow users to take advantage of an impressive and growing suite of Amazon services - from free cloud storage, to accessing apps at the Amazon Appstore, to downloading thousands of books, to streaming movies and popular TV shows, to downloading and playing games, to document reading capabilities, and full color browsing, the price point on the Kindle Fire is worth giving this device a second look.

If you haven't seen the Amazon Kindle Fire in action yet, check out this hands on video! You'll get a good feel for the Kindle Fire specs and a nice overview of what it can do until the actual Amazon Kindle Fire release date. Then, you can actually get your hands on one to try it yourself!

iPhone 5 Release Date Delayed?

Yes, as you can imagine, the iPhone 5 rumors are beginning to fly fast and furious and the most recent reports are indicating that there may be some hiccups with the new iPhone 5 release date.

According to 9to5 Mac, it appears that the iPhone 4S (dubbed to be a lower-end iPhone, nearly identical in form to the existing iPhone 4) is moving along nicely through production and should launch in early October (widely expected to be October 7, 2011) and there will be plenty of supply for consumers to get their hands on one.

However, there's a different tune with the new iPhone 5 release date and it appears that this higher-end, newly designed, iPhone 5 is facing potential production delays.

It appears that the tear-drop shaped iPhone 5 with larger screen and thinner, rounder body is seeing continued design and production delays, at least on one assembly line (Apple has multiple production sources – Pegatron, Foxconn, etc). We therefore think that iPhone 5 will be delayed slightly at the very least and may see shortages all the way into 2012. - Source 9to5 Mac

With that said, and as usual, stay tuned as more of this story will certainly unfold since we're getting awfully close to the new iPhone release date - whatever it turns out to be!

New Sprint iPhone 2011 Release Date

The latest rumors are becoming even clearer in regards to when we will see the new Sprint iPhone 2011 release date and the timing may be sooner than you expected!

Many consumers and tech enthusiast had been wondering, "will Sprint get the iPhone"?  The simple answer is, "yes", and that point was made quite clearly in this recent Sprint iPhone announcment (via Sprint Nextel Corp. press briefing).

However, if you still had any doubts (which by this point you shouldn't!), than this latest bit of news should put any further questions to rest.

Over the weekend, an inside source provided BGR with a leaked internal document clearly indicating that Best Buy is preparing to begin preorders for the new Sprint iPhone 5 in the first week of October.  This report would go hand in hand with the most recent leaks indicating that the actual iPhone 5 launch will occur on October 7, 2011 or October 14, 2011.  However, as these rumors typically go, their inside source claimed that, despite the leaked internal Best Buy memo, it's very possible that preorders for the new Sprint iPhone 2011 could begin as early as this week!

At first, this timing seemed to be a little suspect, but Deutsche Telekom made it very clear with their announcment this morning that the new iPhone 5 release date is imminent:

Deutsche Telekom AG (DTE) will allow customers to reserve the next generation of Apple Inc. (AAPL)’s iPhone as of today in anticipation of supply bottlenecks for the device, spokesman Alexander von Schmettow said by phone. The operator will hand out coupons to people who expressly request the successor model to the iPhone 4, without providing the name or release details of the device, he said.

Coming as no surprise, September is getting started off with a bang and should continue to provide some excitment surrounding the next generation iPhone!

Cheap Amazon Android Tablet?

If you haven't heard yet, the Amazon Tablet, an Amazon Android Tablet actually made by Amazon, is going to be released soon.  If that's not enough to pique your interest, BGR is also reporting that it will launch at significantly lower price points than the iPad:

"Amazon is getting ready to launch their rumored Android-powered tablets with a price tag 'hundreds less' than Apple’s current $499 base model iPad 2. 'Hundreds less' sounds a lot like $299."

The Amazon Tablet has been written off by many, but if it does launch at a significantly lower price point and, most importantly, if it offers a great user experience (clearly, always a key component), it will be a tablet that will appeal to a broad spectrum of consumers.

Making the Amazon Tablet even more credible, is knowing that there's little doubt it will be backed by Amazon services (Amazon Appstore, Kindle eBook store, Amazon vidoes, etc.).  BGR speculates these services may be "brought together by the Cloud Drive".  In my book, this is very powerful.  The Amazon name, backed by top Amazon services in the cloud, at an affordable price point?  I'm intrigued by a cheap Amazon Android Tablet and I'm sure you've got to be, too!

If the top selling Kindle is any indicator as to what type of success may be in store for the Amazon Tablet, Amazon will have another winner on their hands when their new tablet launches and consumers will have a refreshing tablet option to shop for!

Sprint iPhone 5 Release Date

Reports have now surfaced that Sprint will be a part of the iPhone 5 release date.  Yes, it does appear that Sprint will be launching the new iPhone 5:

"Sprint Nextel Corp. will begin selling the iPhone 5 in mid-October, people familiar with the matter said, closing a huge hole in the No. 3 U.S. carrier’s lineup and giving Apple Inc. another channel for selling its popular phone. The timing, however, indicates Apple’s new iPhone will hit the market later than expected and too late to contribute to sales in the company’s fiscal fourth quarter, which ends in September. Most observers had expected the device to arrive next month. Top U.S. carrier Verizon Wireless and No. 2 AT&T Inc. will begin selling the phone in mid-October as well, two of the people said. Sprint had more than 52 million subscribers at the end of the second quarter, compared with 106 million for Verizon and nearly 99 million for AT&T." - Source: Wall Street Journal

For some time now, rumors have been circulating that Apple would be releasing new iPhones across all major carriers.  It only makes sense that Apple would choose this path in consideration of the inroads Google has made with their Android operating system on the smartphone market share.

Competition is the name of the game and you can bet Apple will do whatever they can to remain competitve.  In the past, they've been able to remain competitive since the iPhone was a far superior device.  Now, there are many top Android smartphones, across all of the major carriers, that are offering similar smartphone experiences.

No doubt, Sprint customers will be happy with this announcement as were many Verizon customers who anxiously awaited the new iPhone arrival on their network!

Will iPad 3 Specs Feature the Retina Display?

Latest rumors have it that the future iPad 3 specs will feature Apple's retina display and the LCD display panels will be made from three different suppliers:

"Apple has chosen LG Display (LGD), Samsung Electronics and Sharp to supply LCD panels for the iPad 3, with LGD remaining the biggest panel supplier for the US vendor's tablet PCs ..." (Source: DigiTimes)

In consideration of sales expectations and past supply issues, it's not a huge surprise that Apple is going with three vendors to develop LCD displays for the new iPad 3 retina display.  It's also no surprise that Apple would push towards ultimately implementing the retina display on their future iPads.  It's been a big hit for the iPhone 4 and should be even more so for the iPad.  Can you really go wrong by offering an HD display on any mobile device?

There's still some time to wait before we see the new iPad 3 release date, but, until then, we can enjoy this juicy leak!

iPhone 5 Video Rumors - What to Expect?

Check out this iPhone 5 video. As the iPhone 5 rumors and leaks continue to fly, this iPhone 5 video has some nice renditions of what the iPhone 5 release date may bring.

Courtesy of Nowhereelse.fr, this iPhone 5 video also attaches percentages to the likelihood of seeing some of the most popular next generation iPhone rumors coming to fruition.

I'm hoping the next generation iPhone has a bigger screen, I'm not going to argue with it being thinner, and I wouldn't miss the home button. Of course, improved iPhone battery life would be a bonus, too!

iPhone 5 Release Date News - Verizon Moving iPhone 4 Accessories

The latest iPhone 5 release date news, rumors, and speculation comes from a tipster who alerted Phone Arena (a tech blog) that Verizon wireless is beginning to discount iPhone 4 accessories.  If the tipster's leak is found to be credible, then that would indicate that Verizon wireless is looking to move inventory of iPhone 4 accessories (ahead of the next generation iPhone release date) to make room for the next generation iPhone accessories.

Latest Rumors Pointing Towards an iPhone 5 Release Date?

This latest iPhone rumor would also indicate that we may be looking at an iPhone 5 release date instead of the potential iPhone 4S release date we've been hearing a buzz about lately.

If you're not up to speed with the latest iPhone rumors, recent speculation has been hinting that Apple has been having issues with an overheating A5 chip (supposed next generation iPhone processor).

Consequently, an iPhone 5 release date (bringing with it a newly redesigned iPhone) has been put off and would be replaced by an iPhone 4S release date (a minor update to the existing iPhone 4).

However, if Verizon wireless is truly discounting iPhone 4 accessories, then you'd have to believe they're making room for new iPhone accessories that would accomadate a new iPhone design.  Otherwise, similar to the iPhone 3 to iPhone 3GS upgrade, the existing iPhone 4 accessories would fit the rumored iPhone 4S and, as a result, Verizon's existing iPhone 4 accessories wouldn't need to be blown out to make room for the next gen iPhone accessories.

Next Generation iPhone Release Date Timing

Whatever surprises are in store for us when the next generation iPhone launches, most iPhone rumors are still pointing towards an early September next generation iPhone release date in the U.S. while a next generation iPhone release date would occur a month later Internationally.

Stay tuned for more iPhone rumors as they will be surely making the rounds, sooner rather than later, as the next gen iPhone release date nears.  This far along in the process, it's nearly impossible to keep the iPhone leaks from coming.

If an iPhone release date is looming, Apple has already alterted their vendors to important deadlines and vendors are most certainly actively involved (and have been actively involved) in getting the next generation iPhone and next gen iPhone accessories to market.