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Reuters: Retina iPad mini supplies will be constrained, full production now pushed into 2014

Reuters is reporting that problems with the rumored retina display for the iPad Mini 2 mean that it will be available only in limited quantities when it launches this year, with full-scale production pushed into 2014.

Apple Inc will be unable to widely roll out a new version of the iPad Mini with a high-resolution “retina” display this month, people who work in the company’s supply chain said […]

Given the time required to ramp up screen production, a retina display-equipped iPad Mini would not be available in large volumes until early next year, the sources said.

The delays are said to be due to the display suppliers – believed to be Samsung, LG and Sharp – having difficulties meeting the strict power-saving specifications laid down by Apple … 

A less-likely claim is that Apple is considering a cheaper iPad Mini with just 8GB of storage. While there have been indications that Apple is at least considering on a lower-cost, non-retina version of the iPad Mini 2, 8GB seems a step too far given the small savings that would generate.

Apple is believed to be planning to announce both the full-sized iPad 5 and an iPad Mini 2 with retina display at an event to be held on or around the 15th of October.

Both could be available in the same colors as the iPhone 5s, with claimed leaked photos showing casings in both Space Gray and Champagne – the latter appearing to show that the new tablets will have Touch ID fingerprint sensors (something on which we’ve heard conflicting whispers). Videos purporting to show both cases have also been posted.

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Comments

  1. willo (@mozfart) - 11 years ago

    After a few years of Apple rumors hunting, I am seriously starting to think Apple is the source of some of these “rumors”. This is a typical buildup before an ipad event in October, where the positive surprise will be that they are starting to sell this product come end of October.

    They use rumors as a way of building excitement and disappointment prior to an event.

    I´m guessing we´ll see even more parts leaking in the coming days, and more negative news.

    • Ivan (@ZEROL3ONHEART) - 11 years ago

      I agree with you 100%. I think because they can’t control parts leaks getting into the hands of people like Sonny Dickson, they do exactly what you said and create false rumors to mess people up. It also serves to inflate their stock when they say “No iPad mini 2 w/ retina” and the analysts are all “Awww!” and then the even comes and they say, “Retina iPad minis for everyone! This Friday!” and the stock shoots up for being “above expectations”.

      Or, I’m in denial because I want a mini 2 and I might not get one. There’s also that…

  2. vandutran - 11 years ago

    Who offers the best LCD out of those three? I saw good and crappy LCD on iPhones..

    • Ben Lovejoy - 11 years ago

      It seems to vary by product, so if there is a consistent difference, we won’t know until the Mini 2 is launched

  3. WaveMedia (@WaveMedia) - 11 years ago

    This is code for “we know sweet FA and have no proof either way so we’ll just run with this BS to bring in some easy hits to boost our ad revenue”.

Author

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Ben Lovejoy

Ben Lovejoy is a British technology writer and EU Editor for 9to5Mac. He’s known for his op-eds and diary pieces, exploring his experience of Apple products over time, for a more rounded review. He also writes fiction, with two technothriller novels, a couple of SF shorts and a rom-com!


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