iPad Mini Unlikely to Ship in September

If Apple AAPL unveils the next-generation iPhone next month, consumers should not expect it to be accompanied by another product announcement. According to James D. Ragan, the Senior Equity Analyst with Crowell, Weedon & Co., it is still possible that Apple will release a smaller iPad this year. "But I'm not sure it makes sense to come out with [both of] those on the same meeting," said Ragan. "I think it steals the thunder from either one of them." Ragan told Benzinga that with the third-generation iPad just beginning to ship in China, the momentum for the existing device is pretty strong. "I understand that if they are working on the mini-iPad they're gonna want to get it into the channel for the holiday," he said, adding that Apple is likely to unveil the iPhone 5 and iPad Mini separately. "If they introduce two major products at this September meeting, I'd be surprised. I think the iPhone 5 is more likely." Previous reports had suggested that the iPad Mini may ship in November or early 2013. "I think it depends on how close they are," said Ragan. "I would not be surprised to see it pushed to next year. I just think the new iPad has a lot of momentum and they might just want to ride that a bit. If they're gonna get it out for holiday this year, it would have to be sometime in October at the latest." Aside from the iPhone 5 and possibly the iPad Mini, Ragan does not expect to see any other major products from Apple in 2012. "They've already upgraded the Mac line for this year, so that's going to be a kicker for holiday," he said. "There could be an upgrade to the iPod Touch, 'cause they tend to do that for the holiday." When asked about the rumored iMac refresh, Ragan said that he does not expect to see any additional Mac updates this year. Lastly, Ragan addressed the still-unconfirmed product that is on everyone's mind: Apple's first television. "I think the expectations for the Apple television are not in the market for this year," he said. "I don't think they have been for a while. The build out -- the thought that there is an Apple television -- is still out there. It's probably something to look forward to for next year." Follow me @LouisBedigianBZ