WSJ: iPad mini with Samsung-sourced Retina display likely coming in Q4
Citing unnamed sources, The Wall Street Journal reported early Thursday that Apple is getting ready for mass production of a next-generation Retina display-toting iPad mini set to launch in the fourth quarter.
According to the WSJ sources, Apple is working with Asian suppliers on an iPad mini with "high-resolution 'retina' display" sourced from rival manufacturer Samsung, as well as other screen makers.
The publication said component makers were told Apple had originally planned to use displays from Sharp and LG Display, but added Samsung to the supplier list to ensure adequate supply of the the alleged next-gen tablet. For reference, LG and AU Optronics supply the non-Retina panels used in the current iPad mini.
While details on the supposed device are slim, the second-generation mini is thought to carry over the form factor from the current model. Apple is, however, "contemplating" a variety of color offerings for the back covers, which as of now are only available in black and silver. Sources said to expect the new 7.9-inch device some time in the fourth quarter of 2013.
Rumors regarding a possible 'iPad mini 2' launch have been all over the map, with some agreeing with the Journal's fourth quarter debut, while others don't see a release happening until 2014. Most recently, KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said Apple is likely to introduce two new versions of the tablet, a low-cost non-Retina model and a premium Retina iteration, in March or April of next year.
According to the WSJ sources, Apple is working with Asian suppliers on an iPad mini with "high-resolution 'retina' display" sourced from rival manufacturer Samsung, as well as other screen makers.
The publication said component makers were told Apple had originally planned to use displays from Sharp and LG Display, but added Samsung to the supplier list to ensure adequate supply of the the alleged next-gen tablet. For reference, LG and AU Optronics supply the non-Retina panels used in the current iPad mini.
While details on the supposed device are slim, the second-generation mini is thought to carry over the form factor from the current model. Apple is, however, "contemplating" a variety of color offerings for the back covers, which as of now are only available in black and silver. Sources said to expect the new 7.9-inch device some time in the fourth quarter of 2013.
Rumors regarding a possible 'iPad mini 2' launch have been all over the map, with some agreeing with the Journal's fourth quarter debut, while others don't see a release happening until 2014. Most recently, KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said Apple is likely to introduce two new versions of the tablet, a low-cost non-Retina model and a premium Retina iteration, in March or April of next year.
Comments
So, the WSJ says this will happen in the 4Q so they can write in the 4Q that Apple failed to ship it on time. I'll bet they have the second story already set in print.
This is not happening, unless they get the IGZO yield they want.
Apple has A6-based iPad mini without Retina display in the works
AFAIK, that display needs a CPU/GPU that can power this, and that model is still on the drawing board, expected to be available in 2014.
Quote:
Originally Posted by PhilBoogie
Where is Solipsism when you need him? Geez, I miss the guy!
AFAIK, that display needs a CPU/GPU that can power this, and that model is still on the drawing board, expected to be available in 2014.
CPU/GPU that can power this out there for almost a year, in iPad 4.
Quote:
Originally Posted by matrix07
This is not happening, unless they get the IGZO yield they want.
Apple has A6-based iPad mini without Retina display in the works
Nope. another iPad mini with non-retina display is more stupid idea than heavier and thicker model with IPS 326dpi display. Thanks god, Apple knows that.
Honestly anyone who thinks Apple's just fine this holiday quarter without a retina mini is living in lala land. The new Nexus 7 is getting great reviews. Rumors are the new Kindles will have better displays and some rumors claim they will be faster than the Nexus 7. A retina mini, especially one that comes in colors, would blow them all away IMO.
Quote:
Originally Posted by poksi
Nope. another iPad mini with non-retina display is more stupid idea than heavier and thicker model with IPS 326dpi display. Thanks god, Apple knows that.
If the battery life won't suffer, sure. But if it will, then Apple knows what's more practical for users.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rogifan
The new Nexus 7 is getting great reviews.
Except for the battery life.
Quote:
Originally Posted by poksi
CPU/GPU that can power this out there for almost a year, in iPad 4.
I think CPU/GPU could also come from iPad3. A5X
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rogifan
The new Nexus 7 is getting great reviews. Rumors are the new Kindles will have better displays and some rumors claim they will be faster than the Nexus 7. A retina mini, especially one that comes in colors, would blow them all away IMO.
Last year we had similar excitement when the Nexus 7 and and Kindle Fire came out. Its like Deja Vu.. all over again.
Quote:
Originally Posted by snova
Last year we had similar excitement when the Nexus 7 and and Kindle Fire came out. Its like Deja Vu.. all over again.
Exactly. People should be smarter by now.
Quote:
Originally Posted by matrix07
Except for the battery life.
The new Nexus 7 advertises 9 Hr of battery life, in reality its more like 6. If Apple did this you know we would have a "battery-gate" and the media would go nuts. But if Google does this, nothing.... instead we get "great price!"
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rogifan
But battery life not stopping it from getting good reviews. Honesty I haven't come across a bad review yet. I think people would be OK with slightly less battery life in exchange for retina display. For sure if Apple continues to sell the non-retina version.
If you consider "only 6 hours" is 'slightly less' then sure. I don't know where you read this "great review" (maybe from The Verge ha ha ha) but the first one I read is from Walt Mossberg and it's like this: "great screen, lousy battery life". Can you call that "great review"?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rogifan
But battery life not stopping it from getting good reviews. Honesty I haven't come across a bad review yet. I think people would be OK with slightly less battery life in exchange for retina display. For sure if Apple continues to sell the non-retina version.
to be honest with you, I think many people would be OK with ANYTHING in exchange for a lower price. Just wait till the new Kindle Fire pricing is announced undercutting the Nexus 7 in price, just like they did last year. Deja Vu.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rogifan
""people familiar with the matter" sure sounds like a controlled leak to me. Basically sounds like Apple saying "you can report this but can't say it came from us". I don't think it's a coincidence this story came out the same day 9to5Mac ran their story (which plenty of other sites picked up).
I'd love a retina mimi too. I'm just being cautious at this point. If Google can't have a good battery life, how can Apple? Unless we get IGZO.