We’re expecting Apple to refresh almost all of its iOS devices this fall — including the incredibly popular iPad mini. But a new rumor claims we won’t see it equipped with a Retina display until 2014, when it’ll also get a new design with an “almost bezel-free look.”
“Apple is reportedly aiming to use Retina panel technology equipped with 2,048 by 1,536 resolution in the next generation 7.9-inch iPad mini,” DigiTimes reports today. “Apple is also said to be revising the design of the chassis to give the next-generation iPad mini an almost bezel-free look.”
However, supply chain sources claim the new device will not be on sale this holiday season. It is expected to enter mass production during the fourth quarter of this year, but it may not launch until early 2014.
In the meantime, the sources expect Apple to launch a “slightly updated version of the current iPad mini” later this year, with will reportedly be “lighter, thinner, and equipped with improved specifications.”
“Additionally, the sources said that Apple’s upcoming fifth-generation iPad is expected to use thin-film touch screen technology, which will be able to reduce the weight of the device by 20-30%,” DigiTimes reports. “The device will also feature a slimmer bezel design to allow a bigger viewing area.”
The report claims the new fifth-generation iPad will enter production this months, ready for its launch this fall.
Given that this is a DigiTimes rumor, we advise you to take it with a pinch of salt. DigiTimes is notoriously unreliable when it comes to Apple rumors, and it rarely gets them right.
Having said that, this isn’t the first time we’ve heard Apple will make us wait until 2014 for a Retina iPad mini, so there could be some truth in these claims after all.
Source: DigiTimes
