iPad Mini: Does Design Change Impact Case Production?

iPad Mini cases and mockups leaked in the last few months provide an indication of what the actual device will appear to be. But an unspecified design change, according to the Japanese blog Macotakara, explains how case manufacturers have cut production to match the new design criteria.

"Large OEM mobile accessory maker has stopped their iPad Mini case production because the form of iPad Mini seems to be changed," Macotakara has stated.

Incidentally, "the round shape seems changed, then case designed based on leaked iPad Mini may be dropped," the Japanes blog post observed.

Previously, case designs were identified to be the indicators of the overall design of Apple products with the exception of tapered 'iPhone 5' designed in 2011 that never saw the daylight, MacRumors reported, adding, Apple released iPhone 4S with essentially similar design as iPhone 4.

Design changes to iPad Mini are not clear though leaked accessories' images show front panel and rear panel appearing similar in accordance with the design created by case manufacturers.

However, it is yet to be ascertained if the leaked images pertain to actual parts or older parts prior to design change.

Though the design change may be a small variation that is not obvious in low resolution images, it may pose significant problem for case manufacturers who try to make a windfall with iPad Mini launch, MacRumors has stated.

Fortune has reported that Apple is likely to hold an event to debut ‘iPad Mini’ tablet Oct. 17, pointing to a probable Nov. 2 release date.

Besides, Apple has reportedly placed orders for delivery of 10 million iPad Mini tablets before Christmas.