AppleInsider Staff
Citing unnamed sources, The Wall Street Journal reported early Thursday that Apple is getting ready for mass production of a next-generation Retina display-toting iPad mini set to launch in the fourth quarter.
According to the WSJ sources, Apple is working with Asian suppliers on an iPad mini with "high-resolution 'retina' display" sourced from rival manufacturer Samsung, as well as other screen makers.
The publication said component makers were told Apple had originally planned to use displays from Sharp and LG Display, but added Samsung to the supplier list to ensure adequate supply of the the alleged next-gen tablet. For reference, LG and AU Optronics supply the non-Retina panels used in the current iPad mini.
While details on the supposed device are slim, the second-generation mini is thought to carry over the form factor from the current model. Apple is, however, "contemplating" a variety of color offerings for the back covers, which as of now are only available in black and silver. Sources said to expect the new 7.9-inch device some time in the fourth quarter of 2013.
Rumors regarding a possible 'iPad mini 2' launch have been all over the map, with some agreeing with the Journal's fourth quarter debut, while others don't see a release happening until 2014. Most recently, KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said Apple is likely to introduce two new versions of the tablet, a low-cost non-Retina model and a premium Retina iteration, in March or April of next year.
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
Chip Loder
Malcolm Owen
139 Comments
I wonder if the price will vary with the new screen
So, the WSJ says this will happen in the 4Q so they can write in the 4Q that Apple failed to ship it on time. I'll bet they have the second story already set in print.
This is not happening, unless they get the IGZO yield they want.
Apple has A6-based iPad mini without Retina display in the works
Where is Solipsism when you need him? Geez, I miss the guy! AFAIK, that display needs a CPU/GPU that can power this, and that model is still on the drawing board, expected to be available in 2014.
Could this be a controlled leak by Apple to knock down the non-retina rumors? Oh how I'd love it if 9to5Mac was wrong. :D