A report on Thursday claims Apple may not be planning to release a Retina display iPad mini alongside an expected next-generation "iPad 5" next month, citing low manufacturing volumes unsuitable for mass shipments.
Purportedly leaked "iPad mini 2" shells.
According to IHS iSuppli's supply chain checks, the next-generation 9.7-inch iPad is on track for an October launch, but production of a high-resolution iPad mini is not yet at levels that would indicative of a simultaneous release, reports CNET.
"The Retina Mini looks less certain for that time," said IHS iSuppli's director of Tablet and Monitor Research, Rhoda Alexander. "Manufacturing volumes on that would match better with a Q114 [first quarter 2014] launch."
Alexander qualified the statement by noting Apple may introduce such a device in October with the fifth-generation iPad, but could choose to ship it at a later date.
The publication notes that, while analysts have discussed Retina panel yields, they claim mass production could be less than optimal for a 2013 launch. In either case, it appears that Apple will likely be face with supply constraints, a situation that has become increasingly familiar for the company.
Earlier this year, KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said Retina display yield issues would push back Retina iPad mini production until October. In a more recent report, the analyst predicted the "iPad 5" and "iPad mini 2" would both see release in the fourth quarter of 2013, with Apple pushing up the mini's launch date due to increased competition in the sector.
All should be revealed in the coming weeks, as Apple is rumored to be planning a special event next month to introduce a revamped tablet lineup.