Thursday Apple Rumors: Smaller iPad Nears Debut

Here are your Apple rumors and AAPL news items for today:

Apple Preparing to Launch iPad Mini: A number of Apple‘s (NASDAQ:AAPL) Asian component manufacturers have begun mass-producing parts for a smaller iPad, The Wall Street Journal reports. The manufacturers include LG Display (NYSE:LPL) and AU Optronics (NYSE:AUO). The smaller iPad is expected to have a 7.85-inch screen. The production activity lends support to forecasts that the new iPad Mini will be released before the end of the year.

Apple Settles iPad Trademark Suit for $60M

Samsung and Apple Vie for Asian Consumers: Samsung has dethroned Sony (NYSE:SNE) as the leading brand among Asian consumers, CNBC reports. A Nielsen/Campaign Asia-Pacific survey shows that the once-invincible Japanese brand has tumbled to third place among Asian respondents. Apple, formerly the third-ranking brand, has moved into second place behind Samsung.

Apple Developing Home Theater Sound Device: Apple has applied for a patent to create a multi-channel sound “panner” for surround sound systems, Apple Insider reports. The device would permit users to direct audio input and output to and from a variety of sources. By manipulating the signals sent to various speakers, the device would allow users to configure the sound output to best match their environment, leading to superior surround sound performance.

For more about the company, check out our previous Apple Rumors stories.