13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display to launch alongside iPad mini?

Apple is widely expected to unveil the iPad mini at a media event planned for later this month, but according to 9to5Mac the smaller tablet won’t be the only new hardware announced. Citing “a consistently reliable source” from a major US retailer, the site claims that Apple will also use the event to announce the much-rumoured 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display.

9to5Mac believes the new notebook will have the same slimmer and lighter form factor as the 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display, which Apple launched back in June at its 2012 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC).

In addition, the site believes the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display will be available in two configurations offering different processor speeds and storage capacities, and will go on sale soon after its introduction.

As is the case with the 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display, the new 13-inch model will demand a higher price than its non-Retina equivalent.

According to a report published last week by AllThingsD, and later backed by The Loop’s Jim Dalrymple, Apple is likely to hold a media event for the iPad mini on Tuesday, the 23rd of October.

Invites confirming the event are likely to go out later this week.