Rumours are swirling around the launch of Apples iPad Mini. It had been thought that invitations would go out on the 10th October in preparation for an October 17th launch.

But the 10th has come and gone without a word from Apple leaving many confused. It has been speculated that Apples recent production problems may force them to push the iPad Mini launch back after Christmas. However tech site AllThingsD is now claiming its sources are telling them the iPad Mini will be launched on Oct. 23.

That would be just three days before the scheduled date for Microsoft’s Surface Tablet launch and more importantly Windows 8. The new Windows 8 operating system is designed to work on computers, tablets and phones. The launch is extremely important for Microsoft, as it tries to catch up with the popular IOS and Android operating systems.

The timing of the iPad launch on the 23rd, if it is true, could trump the Surface tablet and disrupt Microsoft’s plans. With the inevitable hype around any Apple product, the Surface tablet and Windows 8 could risk being lost in the storm.

In contrast to the iPhone 5 details about the new iPad Mini have been hard to come by prior to launch. Sources suggest a 7.85-inch liquid-crystal display and a lightning connector. A location for the launch remains a mystery but AllThingsD predicts its will be Apple’s Town Hall Auditorium.