Apple (AAPL) May Be Mulling More Compact iPad

Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) is expected to debut the next generation iPad sometime in late February or early March, but the Cupertino, CA-based media and tech giant might have something else up its sleeve, too.

According to the WSJ Tuesday, suppliers have said Apple is exploring the possibility of an 8-inch iPad, smaller than the current 9.7-inch screen on current models. The move might be made by Apple to broaden the company's product offerings, sources said.

Expected to have the same resolution as the iPad 2, Apple is rumored to be working with AU Optronics (NYSE: AUO) and LG Display (NYSE: LPL) on the new screen size. Notably, Apple could obviously opt-out of proceeding with any production at any time.

Despite Steve Jobs affinity to the 9.7-inch screen size, analysts have said a smaller iPad might help to expand Apple's market, citing hot sales of Samsung's 5.3-inch Galaxy Tab and Amazon's (Nasdaq: AMZN) Kindle Fire, which has a 7-inch screen.

Shares of Apple are indicated higher Tuesday. The stock last traded at $506 even.

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