iPad Mini leaks: Launch imminent?

Now that all the hype and leaks of the iPhone 5 have calmed down it's time to focus on the iPad Mini. Between all the accurate leaks of the iPhone 5, as well as the increasingly large amount of photos and details about the 7.8-inch iPad Mini we are feeling pretty good about the image below. What is it? Purportedly the first image of a fully functioning iPad Mini.

The folks from BoloPad have leaked what appear to be the first images released with a unit actually on and working instead of just the aluminum shell or parts. Given the history of the iPhone 5 leaks all being quite accurate, we're going to go ahead and say this is indeed the real deal. Earlier this month some HD photos of the back were uncovered, and these photos today sure look the same.

Apple has been known for tightly locking down their devices trying to prevent these leaks, but the iPhone 5 had more than its fair share. It looks like the same fate will be had for the iPad Mini. Between Foxconn factories working full force to meet demand, now sources have confirmed iPad Mini production is under way at both Foxconn and Pegatron.

With leaks starting to appear so frequently, production supposedly under way, and now working models hitting the web is a launch imminent? We'd have to say yes! Back in August we reported that an iPad Mini launch was rumored for an October launch date — and things are starting to nicely align for just that. Stay tuned for more details.

[via Gizmodo]