Apple's widely rumored launch event for its hotly anticipated "iPad Mini" tablet device is fast approaching on Oct. 17, but there's one big problem. Where are the invitations?

According various tech sources, Apple was expected to send out invitations to a likely iPad Mini release party on Oct.10 or 11 for an Oct. 17 event. Well, we're still waiting.

Have we been hoodwinked by our own expectations? Is Apple pulling a fast one? Or does the continued confusion and lack of word from Apple lend credibility to recent rumors that there have been supply problems overseas for the iPad Mini?

Apple tends to send out invites to its special events at least a week in advance. With no invites appearing yesterday, or thus far today, it seems unlikely that the new device will launch next week as many reported. That further pokes holes in a report released by Fortune Oct. 9 that indicated Apple would hold an even to debut its new iPad Mini tablet on Oct. 17, and pointed to a likely Nov. 2 release date.

We get "leaked" photos and specs almost daily meant to stoke our excitement for the device, but all this miscommunication - or lack thereof - from Apple could throw a wrench in the spokes of the hype surrounding the iPad Mini.

The latest leaked pictures came from a 9to5Mac researcher, Sonny Dickson, who posted photos said to be of the iPad Mini and the new Lightning dock connector to his Twitter and Instagram accounts on Oct. 9. Obviously, there's no way to know whether the pictures are real or fake, but they seem very similar to other "leaked" iPad Mini pictures.

twitter.com/SonnyDickson/s…

— Sonny Dickson (@SonnyDickson) October 5, 2012

"It is not clear whether the pictures are genuine or where they have come from but other pictures released at around the same time appear to be mock-ups, rather than pictures of actual production units," noted British newspaper The Telegraph.

Everyone knows Apple just loves to comment on its products before they're released, but we need something more tangible than purported photos to go on if the company wants the public's fervor to continue, especially if the device isn't ready for the holiday shopping season.

Google is expected to release a 32GB version its Nexus 7 tablet "sometime around" Oct. 24, according to Droid-Life. Amazon continues to have tremendous success with its 7-inch Kindle Fire HD tablets. And Pew Research Center reported recently that Apple has lost 29 percent of its share of the tablet market over the last year due to the introduction of lower-cost, smaller Android tablets. If Apple's device is indeed delayed beyond the holidays, the company may be losing the 7-inch tablet battle before it shows up to the fight.

iPad Mini specs

7.8 inch screen with 1,024 x 768 resolution. The resolution will probably not be retina display, but it is possible it would have the same ppi as found on the iPad 2. The tablet would be able to handle all the apps. The design will stick to the same aesthetics of the iPhone 5 with an anodized aluminium back plate rather than a plastic build.

It will have two cameras, one front facing, for FaceTime or other video chat applications, and another, higher resolution rear-facing camera on the back. Sports a lightning port connector, like the iPhone 5. Likely an A6 processor, although, some sites are suggesting it may be an A5 like the iPad 2.