The iPad Mini starts at $329 for a 16GB Wi-Fi model and climbs to $529 for a 64GB configuration, with a $429 32GB device in between. The 3G/LTE-capable iPad Minis are priced from $459 to $659. The cellular models will be available for AT&T, Sprint and Verizon in the U.S.

Earlier forecasts for the entry-level iPad Mini had been as low as $249, with as the likely price. Only in the last week did rumors of a $329 price surface.

"I think it's a little high," said Ezra Gottheil, an analyst with Technology Business Research, in an interview after Apple wrapped up its event. "I was figuring on no more than $299."

Carolina Milanesi of Gartner didn't disagree, but had a slightly different take.

"When Apple created the tablet market, it came in at specifications and pricing that other vendors could not reach, so [those rivals] had to go down in size to 7 inches and go down in price," said Milanesi. "Now, Apple is coming in in that similar form factor [of around 7 inches], but they're the premium offering in that segment. It shows that they're not going to come down in price for more market share. They believe they can still command a premium."