Mini iPad likely to be unveiled on Oct 23, Apple sends out invites

Apple Inc has sent out invites for an event on October 23, where it's expected to announce the release of mini iPad.

The event will be held in San Jose, California.

The invite, sent to reporters on Tuesday, doesn't hint at what will be revealed, beyond saying: "We've got a little more to show you."

Media and analysts have said for months that Apple has a "mini iPad" in the works. The tablet is thought to be about half the size of the regular iPad and to start at $249 or $299.

The regular iPad is priced starting $499 for the most recent models.

Apple founder Steve Jobs derided the idea of a smaller tablet two years ago, but Amazon.com has had some success with its Kindle Fire - about half the size of the iPad and price starting $159.

Analysts believe Apple wants to tackle that competition with its own similarly sized tablet.

Apple typically starts selling a new phone or iPad a week or two after announcing it. But it could treat the new mini iPad as a minor product update, in which case it could start selling it right after the announcement.

With inputs from Associated Press