After the enormously successful launch of the iPhone 5 the rumour-mills have begun to churn over the iPad Mini once more.

Base-view of Mini

Leaked photos of the supposed iPad Mini have been circulating for months, along with tantalising dribbles of information from “reliable sources” that turn out to be quite accurate in their statements.

In the latest ‘release’, The Online Wallstreet Journal claims sources close to the production lines in China have started mass-producing tablet components that are too small for the regular iPad.

“People with knowledge of the situation” have also specified that the smaller iPad tablet will have a 7.85-inch liquid-crystal display with a lower resolution than the latest iPad model, which means the iPad Mini will not feature Retina Display.

Speculation is rife over Apple’s attempt to cash in on the market for smaller, cheaper tablets. Google, in particular, has held a strong position with its 7″ tablets, but Apple’s 7.85″ iPad could prove to be a real threat.

The leaked photos have indicated the smaller iPad will feature a nano SIM slot and an anodized aluminum casing. Other leaks have shown Apple plans to shrink the size of the bezels on the iPad Mini to maximise touchscreen usage. It is also expected that the Mini will run off Apple’s new Lightning port, the same as the iPhone 5, and range of upgraded iPods.

For now, as always, Apple is keeping mum on both the price and release-date (November 2nd, anyone?), but when the rumour-mills start running, you can be sure something will come out of it soon!