Mini iPads to hit store shelves?

(CNN) - Rumors of a smaller, less expensive iPad have the tech world abuzz.

Bloomberg reported Wednesday that Apple will release a 7-or-8-inch version of the tablet before 2013.

New talk of the alleged iPad Mini comes hot on the heels of Google's announcement of the Nexus 7, its own smaller tablet.

Apple die-hards shouldn't line up for the new gadget just yet.

If the rumors are true, it would be Apple's biggest departure so far from the vision of former CEO Steve Jobs. The company's recently-deceased co-founder was adamant that anything smaller than the iPad wouldn't deliver the full tablet experience.

Apple's newest iPad sports a 9.7-inch high-definition screen.

Sources tell Bloomberg the newer model will not have the HD display.