Apple Might Ship 12 Different iPad Minis

Apple

is expected to follow in the footsteps of Amazon

and release a plethora of new tablets this fall.

According to

, a list of "presumed iPad Mini product SKUs" reveals that Apple is planning to release 12 different iPad Mini units in two different colors. The devices are expected to start with an 8GB Wi-Fi-only model and go all the way up to high-end, large-capacity iterations with 4G LTE. There will also be a few in-between models with 3G support. While it might seem hard to believe that Apple would release an iPad with older technology, the company might not have a choice. In Australia and other parts of the world, Apple

for promoting the 4G features of the third-generation iPad since many carriers do not support the technology. By offering a 3G version, Apple could allow consumers to save a few bucks and avoid future complaints. During the summer, Amazon was rumored to be developing

of its new tablet, which was unofficially referred to as the Kindle Fire 2. The dot-com retailer surprised the world when it

that rumor. In addition to the iPad Mini news, AppleInsider also reported that Apple will announce the full details of its next press event -- which is expected to take place on October 23 -- later today.