The purported launch of the iPad Mini is approaching, and rumors and leaks continue building as the day approaches. Newly leaked images of the iPad Mini suggest that the tablet will pack in a nano-SIM tray and will have an anodized aluminum finish.

Recently, rumors have indicated that Apple will be sending out invites on Oct. 10 for a press event that is slated for Oct. 27. The company is widely expected to unveil its iPad Mini offering at the event in time for the holiday season. On Oct. 1, site UkranianPhone published images of the fabled iPad Mini, which were courtesy of a source who wished to remain anonymous. The site claims that the photographs are the real deal.

"Photos were taken at the factory in China, where they are delivered to the assembly in the Foxconn, and has not previously been published in the network," stated the site (translated).

The published images are in keeping with the rumors that the iPad Mini will sport a 7.85-inch display. The leaked images also show that the tablet has a nano-SIM tray, and the site asserts that the tray's position on the device has changed compared to the current crop of larger iPads.

Additionally, it is unclear if the tablet will employ the in-cell technology for the display panels. The iPad Mini is speculated to support 3G connectivity, which is evidenced by the presence of the nano-SIM tray on the side of the tablet. The Wi-Fi antenna has a plastic cover and the headphone jack is located on the top of the device. The speakers have shifted to the bottom.

The leaked images also show a white-colored iPad Mini front panel that has the rumored thinner side bezels. The photos also point to space for a home button and a front-facing FaceTime camera. The images also indicate a smaller 8-pin port for the iPad Mini, which is in keeping with speculation that the tablet will use Apple's Lightning connector.

What's more, the pictures illustrate that like the iPhone 5, the tablet has an anodized aluminum finish in black. However, iFans have not been happy with the anodized cover and it remains to be seen if iPad Mini users will follow suit.

It is speculated that Apple will price the iPad Mini in the $249-$299 range, in a bid to compete with other 7-inch tablets that are budget friendly and hover near the $199 mark. However, considering that the company's recently-launched iPod Touch sports a $299 price tag, it is difficult to envision that Apple's tablet will be cheaper.

Time will tell whether Apple is able to dominate the smaller tablet space with the launch of the iPad Mini, and if the device can repeat the iPad's success story.