![iPad Mini Will Help Double Sales of 7-Inch Tablets Worldwide [REPORT]](https://helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/archives/07hKAv4SsvMa7xZquOealfW/hero-image.fill.size_1248x702.v1647021555.jpg)
Apple hasn't even formally acknowledged the existence of the iPad Mini yet, but the device is already expected to have a huge impact on the market for smaller tablets.
IHS iSuppli projects that Apple's new device will help double sales of tablets with 7-inch screens this year to 34 million units worldwide and nearly double those sales again in 2013 to 67 million units.
"IHS predicts Apple will successfully position the smaller iPad as a device that will be attractive and easy to adopt for both new and returning customers," said Rhoda Alexander, director of tablet and monitor research for IHS. "This will spur rapid sales growth and provide tough competition for other companies contending in this size range.”
The research firm did not break out their predictions for how many iPad Minis Apple will sell, though it does note that supply constraints rather than demand may be the limiting factor. Analysts we've spoken with predict Apple will sell between 4 to 8 million units this quarter. Apple, for its part, has reportedly ordered more than 10 million iPad Mini units to ship this quarter.
Apple is expected to unveil the iPad Mini along with several other products at a press event Tuesday in San Jose, California.