GottabeMobile got exclusive photos of an iPad Mini engineering sample provide a first look at the iPad Mini design and hints at possible iPad Mini features. The new iPad will be the thinnest Apple tablet yet, as one of the photos shows. They say they got the photos from a trusted source inside the Apple supply chain, who also provided exclusive iPhone 5 engineering sample photos. More photos can be found after the break. » New iPad Mini Case Engineering Sample Photos

Bloomberg reported that a smaller iPad is on its way. The report noted that the new model will have a screen that’s 7 inches to 8 inches diagonally, and will be announced in October. This smaller iPad will feature a 1024 x 768 display, not the Retina-resolution screen found on the third-generation 9.7-inch iPad. » 7-8inch iPad Mini Coming in October

A Taiwan-based publication Liberty Times (translated, via Macotakara) reported that LG and AU Optronics were certified to supply the 7.85-inch LCD panel for the iPad Mini. Furthermore, it goes on to claim that both manufacturers are working to ship the panels for production and for a release sometime during the latter half of 2012.

» Rumor: 7.85-inch LCD Panel Suppliers For The iPad Mini Ready To Ramp Up