It’s official! Apple will hold an event on 23 October at which it is expected to reveal the iPad mini, with invites for the prestigious event beginning to be circulated among the press.

The event will take place in San Jose at 10am Pacific time (6pm UK time), when Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, is expected to take to the stage to unveil the iPad mini - a device much rumoured, but one that many thought we’d never see.  Alongside it, if rumours are to be believed, will be a 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display, a new iMac and possibly a new Mac Mini as well. 

Apple has left us guessing on what to expect from the device, with little being given away on the invitation which simply says: "We've got a little more to show you."

However, sources suggest that the iPad Mini will be the star of the show with a screen measuring 7.85-inches, while some are reporting that it will be Wi-Fi only - at least initially.

Though an actual on sale date for the iPad mini won’t be announced until the big, or should that be “small”, event on 23 October, Apple has a tradition of shipping its products soon after launch.

The iPhone 5, for example, went on sale on 21 September, only nine days after it was first revealed.