William Larson's  Instablog

Are rumors about the introduction of an iPad Mini true? While Apple (AAPL) refuses to comment on the possibility, there have been two recent announcements that have "re-Kindled" the buzz.

A Chinese portal Netease, and another called Macotakara claim that the mini version of the iPad will hit the market in the 3rd quarter of 2012, or early next year. Netease claims that the retail cost of the iPad Mini will be $249 to $299.

Also fueling the chitchat was a recent announcement by Samsung, a major supplier of Apple components, concerning the increase in component sales to Apple attributable to the iPad Mini.

From A Marketing Standpoint

A mini version of the iPad would make some sense. The success of Amazon's Kindle Fire, with its convenient, portable size of 7" and its low price of only $199, may have prompted Apple to develop a product that would compete in this segment of the market.

But just how large a market would there be for an iPad Mini?

According to a recent poll by PriceGrabber, a mini version of the iPad would be a tremendous hit. Here's what the PriceGrabber poll discovered:

• 52% of the 2,603 consumers surveyed said they would purchase a Mini iPad this year if the product became available.
• Of the 48% not indicating an interest in a mini version of the iPad, 22% said that they already own a tablet.
• 68% of those who already own a tablet own an iPad or iPad2, and 10% own the Kindle Fire.

The PriceGrabber poll also asked those consumers indicating an interest in purchasing an iPad Mini why they would do so. Here's what they discovered:

• 84% said that the lower price was the chief consideration.
• 54% liked the smaller size and ultra thin body which would make the unit more portable.
• 25% said that they would purchase the product as a gift.

Samsung Weighs In

A few weeks ago, the Korean Times ran a story about the imminent release of a mini version of the iPad. The story was based on an interview with an unnamed official from Samsung (SSNLF), a major supplier of iPad components.

Samsung is intimately involved with Apple. Last year alone, Apple purchased over $7.8 billion in parts from Samsung. With the addition of the mini iPad to the Apple product line, Samsung projects Apple's purchases will swell to over $11 billion by the end of the year.

Components purchased from Samsung for various Apple products include processors, LTE chips and solid state storage drives. Samsung says it will also supply the new LCD screen technology for the iPad Mini.

The Bottom Line

If the rumors are accurate and Apple introduces the mini version of the iPad, it will not only demonstrate the company's determination to maintain its dominance in the tablet market, it will also exhibit Tim Cook's leadership and willingness to think outside the Jobian box.

Steve Jobs rejected the idea of a mini iPad claiming that it would be too small to be used as a touchscreen tablet and would therefore not appeal to consumers.

But markets change. Amazon has proven that a small, lightweight touchscreen device has a profitable niche in today's marketplace.

Look for Apple's announcement of the iPad Mini soon.

Disclosure: I have no positions in any stocks mentioned, and no plans to initiate any positions within the next 72 hours.

At the outset, let me assure you that this article is not an attempt at "Apple bashing." I love Apple (AAPL). After all, Apple is the most valued company in the world with a current market cap of over $528 Billion. Its success through the years is legendary, and its brand is iconic.

Projecting the company's past rate of growth into the future a growing number of analysts believe that Apple will become the world's first Trillion Dollar company within the next few years. They peg their claims on the continuing high demand for Apple's mobile devices which have become the standard by which competitors products are measured.

But sustaining this level of growth is no small matter.

Logically, the larger a company becomes the more difficult it is to sustain its momentum of growth. Then too economic theory dictates that an organization can only become so large before issues involving diseconomies of scale arise.

Yet aside from these predictable problems associated with Apple-sized growth, there are two unique problems that must be resolved if Apple is to win the coveted Trillion Dollar gargantuan designation:

China Sales

In order to maintain its projected revenue growth, Apple needs to develop markets in China where the largest number of smartphone users on the planet reside. But breaking into the Chinese market is no walk in the park for a company the size of Apple. Just ask Wal-Mart, together with several other large corporations who tried it and failed.

Making matters worse, Apple has been the subject of a spate of negative publicity in China, including allegations of trademark and copyright infringement, environmental pollution, and even linked to suicides at the facility of one of its suppliers, Foxconn Technology.

Any way you look at it, Apple needs China to sustain long-term growth. And, making inroads with China Mobile is key to opening this vital market of more than 660 million users.

The process of cultivating China Mobile is underway. But even if a deal is inked with Apple, care will have to be taken in the development of the relationship. China's business environment is highly regulated and often suspicious of large organizations whose principal offices are located in another country.

Dynamic, Innovative Leadership

The second obstacle to continued dynamic growth at Apple is even more daunting.

When Steve Jobs died last October at the age of 56, the powerhouse behind the Apple Corporation was suddenly gone. The void he left behind was enormous.

Jobs was always adamant about the idea that Apple's products should not only look good they should be simple and effective. He believed that Apple's products must always be top quality and able to live up to the hype that surrounds them. His affinity for innovation combined with his unique brand of perfectionism is what made Apple what it is today.

His legacy includes the products of the company he created, each bearing witness to his unique sense of quality and preoccupation with perfectionism. But these products will soon become outdated in the fast-paced technological world in which we live.

Steve Jobs was replaced by Tim Cook who had served as Apple's COO. Cook is an excellent manager and holds an MBA from Duke. He is well regarded by employees and board members alike.

But he is a manager, not a dynamic, innovator like Jobs.

The difference between Steve Jobs and Tim Cook is the difference between a manager and a leader. A manager is concerned about the wise use of resources; a leader is concerned about discovering new and better opportunities. A manager is interested in systems and structure; a leader is preoccupied with the human factor. A manager asks how, and when; a leader asks why? A manager attempts to imitate success stories; a leader creates them.

Please don't misunderstand. Organizations need good managers, and Tim Cook is an excellent manager.

But he's no Steve Jobs. Apple must ultimately come to terms with the absence of that kind of innovative leadership if dynamic growth is to continue into the future.

Disclosure: I have no positions in any stocks mentioned, and no plans to initiate any positions within the next 72 hours.