Over the past months, rumors regarding Apple’s iPad mini have heated up, with recent reports suggesting that it will be revealed on October 17th. A new report today by The Guardian claims that Apple’s smaller tablet will be available in a Wi-Fi only version, missing out on the cellular capabilities of its bigger counterpart. In addition to this, the report also claims that a revised version of the current 3rd-gen iPad will be debuted alongside the iPad mini, bringing 4G capabilities in the UK, and the new Lightning connector seen in the iPhone 5.

Multiple sources contacted by the Guardian have indicated that they think the announcement of the “iPad mini” is imminent, with retail sources saying that they anticipate new products in November.

Although no invitations to Apple’s rumored October 17 event have been distributed as of yet, there is still confidence in an October iPad mini unveiling.

Industry sources indicated to the Guardian that they do not expect to see 3G-capable versions of the iPad mini.

Not releasing the iPad mini with cellular capabilities seems like the sensible move from Apple, considering that the market it will enter with the iPad mini is already crowded with competitive and cheap tablets.

The iPad mini is supposed to be a cheaper iPad to make it more widely available to people, so having a retina display and cellular functionality would have a negative effect on the price.

Sources also indicated that they expect Apple to refresh the iPad line by following up the introduction of the iPhone 5, which is 4G-capable in the UK through Everything Everywhere’s 1800MHz network – and from next September with Three – with revised versions using the same 1800MHz 4G chip and the new connector.

This is not the first time we’ve heard of an updated 3rd-gen iPad, with a report last month stating that the device would receive a refresh.

Considering the size of the iPad refresh, it seems that Apple would still announce a 4th-gen iPad early next year.