There has been some debate about whether Apple would host a separate media event for the iPad mini, from their new iPhone event, after The Loop suggesting it. Now AllThingsD is following up with it’s sources saying Apple is planning an iPad mini event in October.

This would follow up the all but confirmed iPhone event on September 12th. ”Apple’s next generation iPhone and its so-called “iPad mini” will debut at two separate events this fall, rather than a single one as has been widely speculated, according to several sources. [...]”

Only after the next generation iPhone is out the door and on sale will Apple announce the smaller iPad it’s been working on. That device, which is expected to have a display of less than eight inches, will be uncrated at a second special event, which sources said is currently scheduled for October.

AllThingsD has a reliable record when it comes to Apple media events. When you add the confirmation from The Loop’s Jim Dalrymple, who has been solid in the past, this rumor quickly gains some traction.

[via MacRumors]