In a world of continuously evolving technology, the chunky and large iPad of the past is being replaced with a sleek new look, including added features, that many consumers cannot wait to buy. 

Though reports suggest that the public is likely to see the unveiling of the iPad Mini on Sept. 12, the product will not be hitting shelves for some time after that.

"Rumors are circulating in the IT market that Apple will launch its 7.85-inch iPad in October with a thinner screen frame to allow the device to feature a bigger display area than other competing products and will also feature a resolution similar to that of iPad 2," reported DigiTimes, citing sources from Apple's "upstream supply chain."

Though a specific day in October has not be confirmed, International Business Times suggested that Apple might wait for the release to "strategically overshadow" the launch of Microsoft's first tablet for the "Surface," which was unveiled in June and is now being considered a competitor to the iPad for its ability to, for example, stand up straight and make typing easier.

Gottabemobile.com, a mobile news and review site, stated that the iPad Mini is expected to be thinner and two-thirds of the size of the original iPad. Confirmed reports also said that it will indeed include front and rear cameras and a Retina Display.

Apple is also unveiling soon their iPhone 5, which also has been the talk of the town regarding its release date and special features.

The new iPad has high expectations to do well among consumers and reports suggest that it might debut a new direction for the Apple company.

"Back in 2010, former Apple CEO Steve Jobs said that smaller screened tablets were not 'sufficient to create great tablet apps' and would be 'dead on arrival,' so rumors suggesting a new iPad mini is in the works reveals a potentially new direction for the firm in its post-Jobs era," techradar.com said. 

Tags: ipad mini apple