Uncertainty Remains Over Whether Retina iPad Mini Will Ship Alongside iPad 5 in 2013

[MacRumors]

According to market research firm IHS iSuppli (via CNET), production levels for the expected upcoming iPad mini with Retina display indicate that the device may not ship alongside the upcoming iPad 5, which looks to be "on schedule" for an October release. Specifically, it is estimated that Apple's Asia-based supply chain of manufacturers have begun the start of Retina iPad mini display production, but have not entered a mass production stage of the upcoming tablet.

While Apple's iPad 5 looks to be on schedule for an October release, that's not the case for the Retina version of the Mini, according to Rhoda Alexander, director of Tablet and Monitor Research at IHS iSuppli.

"The Retina Mini looks less certain for that time. Manufacturing volumes on that would match better with a Q114 [first quarter 2014] launch," she told CNET.

Though she quickly qualified that saying, "But given that it's Apple, one never knows" -- meaning that Apple could announce a product but not necessarily ship it at the same time as the iPad 5.

The research firm also cites design challenges, stating that a trade-off between the integration of the Retina display and the compact size and exceptional battery life of the iPad mini has become problematic. The claim does conflict with a report from IHS iSuppli last month stating that Retina iPad mini production levels were set to match last year's levels. KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also claimed earlier this month that the Retina iPad mini will indeed make an appearance before the end of the year.

Apple is expected to launch its redesigned iPad and a Retina iPad mini in the near future, perhaps at a media event as soon as next month. The company is also expected to make several updates to its Mac products before the end of the year, and they may make an appearance at that same event.

Article Link: Uncertainty Remains Over Whether Retina iPad Mini Will Ship Alongside iPad 5 in 2013

 

[newyorksole]

Apple would be wise to release a Retina mini alongside iPad 5 next month, IMO.

 

[musika]

It'll be retina.

 

[farkingdom]

Hoping they will make improvements for iOS7 on the iPad when they launch these new iPads
Right now iOS7 on the iPad looks like a blown up version of the iPhone, felt like it was rushed.

 

[gibbz]

Why do we even listen to analysts anymore? This sounds like someone who is simply talking in broad strokes because they have no idea what is going to happen.

 

[troop231]

What if Apple doesn't make the mini Retina, due to the iPad 5 having smaller bezels and a lighter design. Seems the gap between the two models is smaller if the fat-trimmed iPad 5 model pans out.

 

[ValSalva]

"But given that it's Apple, one never knows"

Hmmm. Like we didn't know that already

 

[Lord Hamsa]

After last year's... fiasco is the wrong word, but maybe embarrassment of announcing a whole slew of product updates and then having constrained supplies heading into the holiday season, it wouldn't surprise me in the least if Apple holds off announcing anything it can't meet expected demand for.

If the iPad Mini is going to be manufacturing-constrained, Q1 is much more reasonable.

 

[peteullo]

I'm sure they'd like to avoid making the Mini thicker like how they did with the iPad 3. I have a feeling they designed the Mini's original form factor to have enough space to include a retina display down the road.

 

[OriginalClone]

9to5mac has pictures of the mini with Touch ID (and the champagne color) in today's article, but no mention of retina. I don't believe retina will come on the mini this year. I strongly believe Apple is holding out on that for another year..

http://9to5mac.com/2013/09/27/chinese-site-shows-two-photos-of-claimed-gold-ipad-mini-2-with-touch-id/comment-page-1/#comment-146853

 

[blackcrayon]

Hoping they will make improvements for iOS7 on the iPad when they launch these new iPads
Right now iOS7 on the iPad looks like a blown up version of the iPhone, felt like it was rushed.

Seriously doubt it. This will be like people hoping things like the Safari icon would be changed between beta and release But- I agree it would be nice to get some iPad specific iOS 7 features. Just not expecting them this soon.

 

[xNYMetsx]

Apple's only hurting themselves by not releasing a retina iPad mini. They've had more than a year to figure it out. Pathetic.

 

[netnothing]

Apple really needs to step up their game in the 7" tablet market. It's almost embarrassing how tablets like the Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire HDX both have gorgeous screens compared to the mini.

iPad Mini:
Height: 7.87 inches
Width: 5.3 inches
Depth: 0.28 inch
Weight: 308 g
Display: 1024 x 768 (163 ppi)

Kindle Fire HDX:
Height: 7.3 inches
Width: 5.0 inches
Depth: 0.35 inch
Weight: 303 g
Display: 1920 x 1200 (323 ppi)

Nexus 7:
Height: 7.874 inches
Width: 4.488 inches
Depth: 0.34 inch
Weight: 290 g
Display: 1920 x 1200 (323 ppi)


Yeah I know....ecosystem, blah blah....but still. If I want to read.....I can do that on all and trust me, text looks better on 2 of the 3 listed.

I'll gladly give up 0.07 inches to get Retina.
-Kevin

 

[Obese Lobsters]

I think the other problem in addition to battery life is what resolution to use. If they use another unique one then it may require additional work from developers

 

[Rogifan]

9to5mac has pictures of the mini with Touch ID (and the champagne color) in today's article, but no mention of retina. I don't believe retina will come on the mini this year. I strongly believe Apple is holding out on that for another year..

http://9to5mac.com/2013/09/27/chine...-with-touch-id/comment-page-1/#comment-146853

Why on earth would Apple add A7/M7, Touch ID and 1GB RAM but no retina? Especially when iOS 7 was designed with retina in mind? And how does it make good business sense to hold out on retina another year when cheaper tablets like the Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire are shipping with retina like displays?

 

[netnothing]

Why on earth would Apple add A7/M7, Touch ID and 1GB RAM but no retina? Especially when iOS 7 was designed with retina in mind? And how does it make good business sense to hold out on retina another year when cheaper tablets like the Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire are shipping with retina like displays?

I've got to imagine that using a lock passcode on iPads is WAAAY less common than on a phone. Plus with the iPad cover......it bypasses the slide to unlock screen anyway.

Can't see Apple adding Touch ID and then selling an accessory to negate it.

-Kevin

 

[Rogifan]

I think the other problem in addition to battery life is what resolution to use. If they use another unique one then it may require additional work from developers

AnandTech got 12 hours battery life on the new Nexus 7. Not a valid excuse.

 

[xNYMetsx]

I've got to imagine that using a lock passcode on iPads is WAAAY less common than on a phone. Plus with the iPad cover......it bypasses the slide to unlock screen anyway.

Can't see Apple adding Touch ID and then selling an accessory to negate it.

-Kevin

It's a security feature not a premium. I would add it.

 

[netnothing]

AnandTech got 12 hours battery life on the new Nexus 7. Not a valid excuse.

The standard Apple excuses like battery life are quickly being beaten by their competitors. Right now the only thing Apple has to tout is the ecosystem.....which is what we saw in the mini keynote last year. Apps being designed for iPads as opposed to phone apps in Android.

-Kevin

 

[Rogifan]

I've got to imagine that using a lock passcode on iPads is WAAAY less common than on a phone. Plus with the iPad cover......it bypasses the slide to unlock screen anyway.

Can't see Apple adding Touch ID and then selling an accessory to negate it.

-Kevin

Huh? Smart Cover doesn't unlock your device, it just wakes it from sleep. If you're using a passcode you still have to enter it.

 

[netnothing]

It's a security feature not a premium. I would add it.

Only time I add a passcode lock to my iPads is when I travel, as opposed to my iPhone which is on all the time.

When....when....Apple starts opening the Touch ID to developers is likely when we'll see it added to iPads. Until then I think it stays on it's flagship device....the iPhone.

-Kevin

----------

Huh? Smart Cover doesn't unlock your device, it just wakes it from sleep. If you're using a passcode you still have to enter it.

Right sorry....trying to say I have to imagine most people who leave their iPads at home don't bother with a passcode.

Especially with the iPad smart covers.

-Kevin

 

[Sodner]

For those wanting a mini I hope it does ship ASAP but please Apple don't hold back on the iPad 5 if your not ready with the mini.

I just want the 5.

 

[RMo]

It'll be retina.

Did you read the article? That is not the issue under consideration here.

 

[Sodner]

The standard Apple excuses like battery life are quickly being beaten by their competitors. Right now the only thing Apple has to tout is the ecosystem.....which is what we saw in the mini keynote last year. Apps being designed for iPads as opposed to phone apps in Android.

-Kevin

Well.... First 64 bit processor EVER in a mobile device. First truly functional finger print scanner in a mobile device. First ever motion co-processor..... You get the idea.

 

[Mattsasa]

Did you read the article? That is not the issue under consideration here.

I am not totally convinced a retina iPad mini will ship in 2013