Apple tells us it doesn't comment on rumors, so don't expect a definitive answer on the mini's fate in the immediate future. As it is, the source doesn't know whether Apple will abruptly drop the small iPad or keep it on sale for a while longer, much like it does with some legacy Macs. You might still have the option to buy the iPad mini -- it just wouldn't get further updates under this scenario.

If true, the move would make sense in more ways than one. The overlap between products is part of it, but there's also the matter of an expanding iPad lineup. With talk of Apple introducing a 10.5-inch iPad while keeping both its 9.7-inch and 12.9-inch tablets, there's a real risk of creating a muddled product line. Also, Apple is increasingly treating the iPad as a computer replacement -- whether you agree or not, a 7.9-inch mobile tablet doesn't really fit that bill. As sad as it would be to see Apple's most portable iPad disappear, its time may have come and gone.