Apple is widely expected to unveil its new smaller iPad next week, on October 17. The smaller tablet will have a 7.85-inch display with a lower resolution than the 9.7-inch model currently available.
The so-called iPad Mini will be a direct rival to Google's Nexus 7 and Amazon's Kindle Fire, which are both seven-inch tablets and offer a smaller, less-expensive alternative to the existing iPad.
However, the new device is not thought to be capable of connecting to the internet via 3G or 4G and instead will rely on Wi-Fi. The Guardian, citing unnamed "industry sources", said that while the iPad Mini would be Wi-Fi-only, Apple will also release a new version of the existing iPad, which will be compatible with mobile provider EE's 4G network.
EE, formerly known as Everything Everywhere, will offer access to the new high speed mobile network from the end of October. Rival providers should be able to offer the ultra fast network in early summer 2013 after the auction of airspace used to run 4G services.
Launching the iPad Mini without 3G or 4G connectivity would keep costs down, which could allow Apple to price the tablet in line with its 7-inch rivals. The tablet is tipped to go on sale on November 2, but it is unclear whether this will be in the US only.
Apple's iPad 2 currently costs £329, while the Nexus 7 is sold for £199 and the Kindle Fire is available for £159.
