Apple iPad mini event 'on October 23' Apple is thought to want to release a smaller iPad to compete with Google's Android-powered tablet, Nexus 7, and Amazon's Kindle Fire HD. Both of those tablets have 7-inch screens and it is rumoured that the smaller iPad would have a 7.85-inch screen. It is also thought likely that the new iPad will have the same Lightning dock connector as the iPhone 5 but few other details have emerged in rumours. Even the name of the new device remains unknown but observers have taken to calling it the iPad Mini, iPad Nano or even iPad Air. If Apple is holding an event on the 23rd then it is likely to announce the invite by next Tuesday at the latest.