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Apple internal tool oddly says Retina iPad mini launching November 12th

Apple’s internal “GSX” tool for Apple support technicians and resellers says that the iPad mini with Retina display will become available on November 12th. We’ve confirmed the existence of the above note in GSX, which was first noted by MacRumors, with multiple independent sources. The note says that the Retina iPad mini will become available in Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, and the United States local time on Tuesday the 12th. Although this is confirmed to have come out of an Apple internal system, a Retina iPad mini launch date tomorrow seems very odd…

First, it is already November 12th local time in Australia, New Zealand, and other countries in the above list, and there have been no indications that Apple has launched the new Mini in those locations. It would also be unprecedented for Apple to announce the release date for a major product launch to support staff, not via media outlets, its official website, or a press release. It would also be surprising to see Apple launch the iPad mini on the 12th, when the company warned of potential constraints and said the product would arrive “later” in November. Also, if you look at the list above, none of Apple’s first tier European countries like the UK and France are listed.

On the other hand, we’ve now heard from not one but two Best Buy sources that Apple has informed them of incoming Retina Mini inventory which could be from the same GSX sourcing above.

We’re digging for more information and will update as we hear more.

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Comments

  1. Max Esterhuizen - 10 years ago

    1-2 was typed instead of 2-1. Simple mistake. Not a story.

  2. beyondthetech - 10 years ago

    I think it means we’ll have it ready for Friday.

  3. Matthew (@MattzMacBook) - 10 years ago

    What about Canada and the UK? I’d be surprised if Singapore got the Retina iPad Mini before part of North America, and Europe….

  4. Christopher Sanders - 10 years ago

    I guess Apple wants actual people to get it. Better not take chances and get in line early.

  5. Jade Reimer (@JadeR_86) - 10 years ago

    what no Canada on that list?!

  6. Yeah in Australia online and in store ipad mini with retina is not available, I tend to agree with first reply that it was a typo or maybe they thought they could release it today but realised not enough supply to meet world wide demand so rescheduled release date but did not update letter.

  7. Michael Denney - 10 years ago

    Apple store is offline for “updates”… This may be true.

  8. josh williams - 10 years ago

    Apple store is down for updates now, looks like they might be preparing for the launch. Tried to click on “Shop iPad” and got the “We’ll be back soon” message.

  9. Matthew Reynolds - 10 years ago

    The Apple Online Store has now gone offline and their famous “We’ll Be Back” message is up, indicating a product addition…

  10. Sam Testa (@samtesta) - 10 years ago

    The store is down in Australia. http://store.apple.com/au/xc/ipad

  11. Vandon Alex Gene - 10 years ago

    Their online store is currently down in the U.S. and Canada. Not sure about other countries.

  12. apple store is down so probably true

  13. Brad Gawronski - 10 years ago

    Apple Store in AU is down.. looks like it’s happening after all.

  14. …and the Apple Store website is down

  15. Rhys Williams - 10 years ago

    http://store.apple.com/ – Thats a good sign!

  16. Rj De Rama - 10 years ago

    Online store is down….hmmmm

  17. Kristian Nordberg - 10 years ago

    Apple Store is down…

  18. Christian Intentionally - 10 years ago

    Apple Store message as of 1:26 EST: “We’ll be back. We’re busy updating the Apple Store for you and will be back soon.”

    Sounds like maybe typing 1-2 might not have been a typo after all.

  19. Scott Adams - 10 years ago

    My money says it’s a typo…s/b November 22, 2013…a Friday launch which is in line with almost all previous launches.

    • Scott Adams - 10 years ago

      I was wrong! A Tuesday release…who would’a thunk? New iPad mini Retina should be arriving on the 21st. Woo hoo!

  20. gg0dd (@gg0dd) - 10 years ago

    The Apple Store is down. Getting ready to launch the new Mini?

  21. Luc De Brouwer - 10 years ago

    Erhmmm well it just became available in the Netherlands (http://store.apple.com/nl/buy-ipad/ipad-mini-retina) so I guess GSX was right after all.

  22. Jens Jørgensen - 10 years ago

    Hi, it can be ordered in Germany. Delivery within 5 – 10 workdays.