Retina iPad Mini Display Production Levels Appear Set to Match Last Year's Model

[MacRumors]

According to market research firm IHS iSuppli (via CNET), production levels for displays destined for this year's upcoming iPad mini are set to be on par with those of last year's model. The firm also believes that this year's iPad mini will feature a high-resolution Retina display, something that has been highly rumored for the upcoming device.

"Based [what] we are seeing in the [production] pipeline...The volumes are similar to the iPad Mini that we saw in Q4 of last year," said Vinita Jakhanwal, director of mobile & emerging displays at IHS iSuppli, referring to display production. [...]

LG Display is expected to be the main supplier initially for the Mini Retina, though Sharp is also expected to participate in production, Jakhanwal said. Other reports have also cited Samsung as a supplier as various manufacturers struggle to reach high-volume production of the pixel-dense yet thin display.

Jakhanwal also notes that AU Optronics is currently supplying a small share of iPad mini displays but that it would need to "scale up" before it could begin supplying Retina display panels. Reports have indicated that Apple is likely to dump AU Optronics as an iPad mini display supplier as it moves to Retina panels.

Earlier this week, a report from Bloomberg claimed that Apple will indeed release a thinner full-sized iPad and a Retina-equipped iPad mini within the last three months of 2013. This would mean that the upcoming September 10 media event for the iPhone would be completely separate from that of an iPad announcement. The new full-sized iPad is expected to have a narrower bezel like the existing iPad mini, while the new iPad mini is not expected to have any significant design changes.

Article Link: Retina iPad Mini Display Production Levels Appear Set to Match Last Year's Model

 

[vmachiel]

That's cool, now announce an event already!

 

[Mad Mac Maniac]

while the new iPad mini is not expected to have any significant design changes.

What happened to the rumors of an even thinner iPad mini with even more reduced bezels? Or would those changes not be considered "significant"?

 

[kenetic]

Retina iPad mini: I am still waiting. Hope for the best. Gotta get one for wife.

 

[Cougarcat]

What happened to the rumors of an even thinner iPad mini with even more reduced bezels? Or would those changes not be considered "significant"?

If it's going retina I doubt it will get any thinner.

 

[Mjmar]

Really looking forward to a retina iPad mini, now the mini will finally be able to replace my full size iPad.

 

[dustinsc]

After all the back and forth over whether the retina display will show up, I'm glad it looks like it's settling on having a retina display. I think a retina mini >> nexus 7, even with the price difference

 

[Mad Mac Maniac]

If it's going retina I doubt it will get any thinner.

I'll agree with that. But what about the report that comes out next Monday stating that the updated iPad mini won't have retina?

 

[Plutonius]

Really looking forward to a retina iPad mini, now the mini will finally be able to replace my full size iPad.

Don't rule out the iPod 5 till you see it .

 

[Cougarcat]

I'll agree with that. But what about the report that comes out next Monday stating that the updated iPad mini won't have retina?

Then the source would have to be considered. Bloomberg is pretty reliable, and with only 2 months max before a release, I think there's a good chance it'll be retina.

 

[iMerik]

A retina iPad mini will finally replace my iPad 1.

 

[ValSalva]

Don't rule out the iPod 5 till you see it .

The iPad lineup this fall is going to be strong if the Mini is retina and the iPad 5 gets slimmed down with a smaller bezel and is thinner. Very strong. May have to get both

 

[kevinpdoyle]

Well I'm sure glad we had that 6 month collective freak out about will they or won't they.

 

[jonnysods]

Man if it goes Retina, and stays the same price point, look out. Those things will sell fast.

 

[MRU]

 

[Casiotone]

After all the back and forth over whether the retina display will show up, I'm glad it looks like it's settling on having a retina display. I think a retina mini >> nexus 7, even with the price difference

And don't forget that the iPad mini retina will have 43% more screen area (with the same DPI), and probably better cameras and battery life.

 

[BRO,RUMAD?]

I guess we all forgot that the iPad mini was pushed back to 2-4 weeks for about the first two months that it was out.

 

[everything-i]

There is a lot of pent up demand for a retina mini, looks like there are going to be shortages for a while if production is only just matching this years levels.

 

[iLilana]

price

Are the prices going to be the same?

 

[GregAndonian]

But will it be available in GOLD, that's what I wanna know...