iPad mini production allegedly underway in Brazil
updated 05:09 pm EDT, Mon October 1, 2012
Final unit missing rear mic, source claims
Production of the so-called iPad mini is in progress at a Brazilian factory, says a source for Macotakara. The person doesn't name the manufacturer, but it would almost certainly be Foxconn, Apple's main supplier, which opened up a Brazilian plant just this year. Additionally the source claims that the production version of the new iPad is missing a microphone hole on the back, despite earlier mockups suggesting one, and the presence of a rear mic on the iPhone 5.
Earlier today a rumor emerged that on October 10th, Apple will send out invitations for an iPad mini press event. If so the schedule would be consistent with some other reports, but mark a change to Apple's announcement schedule, which normally only sees one event per season. Some early rumors had Apple revealing the new iPad alongside the iPhone 5, but Apple may have decided that it didn't want the publicity for one device to eclipse the other.
