Has Apple always had a 7-inch iPad?
As with Intel Macs and CDMA iPhones, I always assume Apple tried out every logical variation of a product in the labs, and has every sensible alternative prototyped and tested as a release candidate before ultimately deciding the best device with which to go to market. So it's not surprise Jim Dalrymple of the Loop confirms a 7-inch iPad has been around since the get go:
The fact is, Apple already has a 7-inch iPad. They have had one of the smaller devices since they started making the 9.7-inch iPad that we have now.To be clearer, the two devices were developed at the same time. They have pretty much the same specs, except, of course, the 9.7-inch model has a higher density screen than its smaller counterpart.
Whether Apple will ever release it or not is another question. They did introduce an iPod mini (now iPod nano) to their music player line but have thus far not introduced any new iPhone sizes. I'm betting iPad will be more like iPhone: a product and not a line of products.
[The Loop]
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Rene Ritchie is one of the most respected Apple analysts in the business, reaching a combined audience of over 40 million readers a month. His YouTube channel, Vector, has over 90 thousand subscribers and 14 million views and his podcasts, including Debug, have been downloaded over 20 million times. He also regularly co-hosts MacBreak Weekly for the TWiT network and co-hosted CES Live! and Talk Mobile. Based in Montreal, Rene is a former director of product marketing, web developer, and graphic designer. He's authored several books and appeared on numerous television and radio segments to discuss Apple and the technology industry. When not working, he likes to cook, grapple, and spend time with his friends and family.