We know almost everything there is to know about the iPad Mini. We’ve seen its design, we know that it’s coming in 12 models, and that it will launch at some point in late October or early November. Now we just need an actual date for the announcement and we’ll be set.

Well, we can finally mark that last one off the list as Apple sent out the invites for the big Apple event today. The multi-colored invitation only says, “We’ve got a little more to show you.” It’s obvious that the “little more” is the iPad Mini.

Either way, the iPad Mini is going to finally be unveiled at this event. Expect to hear every little detail about Apple’s entry into the 7-inch tablet market. We’ll also find out when we can expect to see the device on store shelves. I’m personally betting on a late October release, but an early November release is just as feasible.

It should be noted that this is Apple’s last big event for the year. The company’s shares are already riding high on the iPhone 5’s impressive performance, but they could take it even further with a great showing for the iPad Mini. A number of consumers are apparently not that excited about the device, but a great show with a lot of hype could turn that around.

Aside from the iPad Mini, Apple is expected to show off a new 13-inch retina MacBook Pro. The company will probably make some other announcements at the event, but what those other announcements are remains a mystery.

On a final note, we’ll be bringing you all the news from the October 23 event. In the meantime, you can check out all of our previous iPad Mini coverage to get an idea of what to expect come next Tuesday.

[h/t: Engadget]