iPad Mini: There will be a Mini Retina next year

[Anti-Lucifer]

I think apple will continue the blood line as so:

1) Continue selling the mini in 1024x768
2) Have a bad a_s brother called the mini retina and price it more

I am guessing they are doing it to the macbook lineup - there is a regular 13" they are selling, there is a 13" Retina. They didn't discontinue anything. Same for the macbook pro 15".

I believe they are going to go pro with the ipad lineup - the high resolution ipads as the pro models with 100% color gamut like the existing ipad 4.

Just a thought!

[FrozenDarkness]

It's not just a thought with a bajillion of the same topics. Anandtech thinks otherwise because apple can't produce magic. You can't fit in a larger battery, better graphics and a retina in a mini package.

[Ladybug]

I think the iPad Mini retina will come eventually, just not next year. Perhaps for iPad Mini 3 . Just my best guess.

[Abazigal]

If doubling the ipad mini's resolution is too overkill, I wonder if Apple might buck the trend by going with a 3rd resolution for a future ipad mini?

[725032]

I'm quite confident the next mini will have a retina. Thats what im waiting for.

Great shout OP

[Pakaku]

Originally Posted by Abazigal

If doubling the ipad mini's resolution is too overkill, I wonder if Apple might buck the trend by going with a 3rd resolution for a future ipad mini?

I really thought Apple should have done that from the start, instead of just shrinking down the UI. It seemed really lazy of them.

[spcdust]

Originally Posted by Pakaku

I really thought Apple should have done that from the start, instead of just shrinking down the UI. It seemed really lazy of them.

Apple still sell the same amount of iPad Mini units with the current display and then when they release one with retina rub their hands together as a decent percentage of original iPad Mini owners upgrade to the Retina model. That's how all tech firms operate, even if is possible to give the consumer the technical goodies at the current time firms always stagger their release to maximise profit.

[WilliamLondon]

Originally Posted by Pakaku

I really thought Apple should have done that from the start, instead of just shrinking down the UI. It seemed really lazy of them.

No, I don't think it was lazy of them, I think it was actually quite smart for one big reason - all the iPad apps just work on this brand new device. What they have done is to create a device that expands the number of users out there who now are demanding apps *that are already built and available for sale*. This big demand for existing apps is a boon for the developers, which in my opinion is great (for them!) and even better for those of us who bought a mini - we've got access to so many apps on day 1. A changed screen resolution would have meant few apps designed for the device on day 1, and at that point developers would have to ask themselves if staying with iOS was the right thing to do (by developing for yet another resolution), or going with an alternate platform out there instead.

What they did effectively was lock in developers to iOS more than they were prior to the mini's release. That's a very good thing for iPad owners. My mini is so wonderful, and a lot of that is down to the fact that I've got loaded up on it ~150 apps that run on it perfectly.

Saying all that, however, I really hope a future version bumps the screen resolution in some way, but it probably won't happen until they can figure out a way to double it without losing battery life or thinness.

[Risco]

Originally Posted by Abazigal

If doubling the ipad mini's resolution is too overkill, I wonder if Apple might buck the trend by going with a 3rd resolution for a future ipad mini?

Considering the abysmally slow response of developers to update major apps for iPhone 5 compatibility, I would wager not.

[WilliamLondon]

Originally Posted by Ladybug

I think the iPad Mini retina will come eventually, just not next year. Perhaps for iPad Mini 3 . Just my best guess.

I think this is very logical and reasonable thinking (I can't disagree with this at all), but then I start wondering what a gen 2 mini might look like without retina. It has to be major enough to be a worthy and "announce-able" upgrade.

Anyone have any ideas?

[WillFisher]

I'm hoping for an iPad mini with retina. It would be a bad move by Apple retaining the current price point for a new mini without it.
Its not that the current mini is bad, its just, I've been treated with retina screens the last 8 months.
Also, how much I love my current iPad 3, that form factor on the mini is so good. I've had thoughts about getting a Nexus 7 since summer anyway.

[chleuasme]

Originally Posted by WilliamLondon

I think this is very logical and reasonable thinking (I can't disagree with this at all), but then I start wondering what a gen 2 mini might look like without retina. It has to be major enough to be a worthy and "announce-able" upgrade.

Anyone have any ideas?

Before June '13:
$299 16 GB A5 (current), $399 32 GB A6, $499 64 GB A6
and iPad 2 out


And before next autumn, a redesigned 9.7" iPad, lighter and thinner, IGZO screen, 28nm:
$499 32 GB A6X, $599 64 GB A6X

[shortcut3d]

I was not suggesting the exact same method Apple uses on the rMBP. I meant a similar method using the max retina resolution available and scaling down as you mention 75%.

[terminator-jq]

The funny thing is that Apple is currently having problems keeping up with the demand of the iPad mini due to a lack of screens. According to a few sites, Apples screen makers for the iPad mini will not be able to keep up with demand until early 2013.

I think that little bit of info should destroy the rumor of a retina mini in March. If Apple can't make enough regular screens to keep up with demand, what makes people think they can produce enough retina 7.9" screens to launch a product in March.

As for next year, it may happen, but I doubt it. The screen tech for a high ppi 7.9" screen is hear. However, the hardware may not be. I'm sure anyone who used an iPad 3 will understand. If Apple rushes to make a retina mini, it may have problems like:

- overheating

- thicker body

- lower battery life

- more expensive

Anyone who understands product engineering will know that the iPad mini is an engineering masterpiece. Every little bit of space inside the mini is used efficiently. I just find it hard to believe that by October 2013 tech will have advanced enough to make an iPad mini with a retina screen, the same battery life, the same thickness or slimmer and still cost the same price.

I find it more reasonable that next years mini will be similar to the jump from iPad to iPad 2, or the jump from iPhone 4 to iPhone 4S. So it will probably have an A6, an 8mp rear camera, a 2mp front camera, and a few more small changes.

A retina iPad mini is coming, but I think a 2014 launch is more probable. Apple never sacrifices design for features. The iPhone 4S probably could have had 4G but it would have been a thicker phone with worse battery.

Sorry for the long post. It just kinda bothers me that some of you guys can't enjoy the iPad mini for what it is. Yes the screen could be sharper, but overall it's a great device, and the screen is actually pretty good.

[corvus32]

Originally Posted by FrozenDarkness

It's not just a thought with a bajillion of the same topics. Anandtech thinks otherwise because apple can't produce magic. You can't fit in a larger battery, better graphics and a retina in a mini package.

Anand has obviously never heard of IZGO display technology, or that Sharp used it to more than doubled the battery life of their 7" tablet, the Aquos Pad SHT21. No magic required.

[dhy8386]

Originally Posted by corvus32

Anand has obviously never heard of IZGO display technology, or that Sharp used it to more than doubled the battery life of their 7" tablet, the Aquos Pad SHT21. No magic required.

I dont know the specifics of apples display technology but even those IZGO screens are thicker than the old gen ones. They are just low power and have great battery life. The Aquos is 25% thicker than the mini. Of course there may be a way to redesign the internals of the mini but i think it does come down to weight and thinness. I dont think the battery will be a problem. They are always figuring out ways every year to save battery as components use less heat and less power.

[corvus32]

Originally Posted by dhy8386

I dont know the specifics of apples display technology but even those IZGO screens are thicker than the old gen ones.

I'd like to know where you read that.

Originally Posted by zhenya

The Aquos is not trying to push 2048x1536 pixels.

No, but it wouldn't require a 43Wh battery to do it either.

[jedolley]

Anyone ever consider that the iPad mini was created to replace the iPad 2 as the "cheaper" iPad? Going forward they could have the iPad (9.7") with Retina and then the iPad mini with nothing in between.

I'm not saying this is going to happen, but Apple likes to stream line things and this would not surprise me on bit.

[zhenya]

Originally Posted by corvus32

Anand has obviously never heard of IZGO display technology, or that Sharp used it to more than doubled the battery life of their 7" tablet, the Aquos Pad SHT21. No magic required.

The Aquos is not trying to push 2048x1536 pixels.

[lianlua]

Originally Posted by corvus32

Anand has obviously never heard of IZGO display technology,

IGZO, not IZGO.

or that Sharp used it to more than doubled the battery life of their 7" tablet, the Aquos Pad SHT21. No magic required.

No magic required, just doubling the battery size, and moving from a power-wasting Tegra 2 to Snapdragon. It's not like they magically swapped out the display and doubled battery life without any other changes.

If you double the size of the mini's battery, lots of things are possible, too.

[jvmxtra]

I checked out the mini at the apple store today. Definitely screen could be better but that thing is thing of a beauty.

I do love that it stays so cool..(ipad 4 was burning up).. really have to make decision whether to get this for my mother or not..

Once the retina mini comes, I really doubt that anyone is gonna buy regular ipad.(retina or not). That size is perfect.

It just feels like regular ipad is really fat and bulky.

[Awakener]

Originally Posted by jvmxtra

I checked out the mini at the apple store today. Definitely screen could be better but that thing is thing of a beauty.

I do love that it stays so cool..(ipad 4 was burning up).. really have to make decision whether to get this for my mother or not..

Once the retina mini comes, I really doubt that anyone is gonna buy regular ipad.(retina or not). That size is perfect.

It just feels like regular ipad is really fat and bulky.

iPad Mini may look okay in stores. At home is a different story. It is a common experience with displays.

As devices become more useful the fascination with small wears off when reality sets in. Will happen with small tablets just as it did with phones and netbooks. 8.9" or larger will rule for adults as they slim down.

[MrXiro]

Originally Posted by corvus32

Anand has obviously never heard of IZGO display technology, or that Sharp used it to more than doubled the battery life of their 7" tablet, the Aquos Pad SHT21. No magic required.

Obviously...

[yeah]

Originally Posted by FrozenDarkness

You can't fit in a larger battery, better graphics and a retina in a mini package.

Nano-Wire Battery, Apple makes the smallest graphics card in the world, Apple reinvents the Retina to be less battery hungry and more pixel density.

[Medic311]

Why is everyone obsessed over the Mini being Retina?

Apple could just improve the resolution (keep the same ratio) and most people won't be able to tell the difference during regular use.

It doesn't have to be all about "Retina" - there is plenty of room for improvement for Apple to make with the Mini's screen while still maintaining margin