Apple support website claims Retina iPad mini to launch on Nov. 12
A note on Apple's internal GSX website for repair service providers and resellers claims the hotly anticipated iPad mini with Retina display will be rolling out in eight countries on Nov. 12, though the message may likely be an error.
According to Apple's Global Service Exchange tool, the Retina iPad mini is set to debut on Nov. 12 local time in Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and the United States. The note was first spotted by MacRumors.
While AppleInsider has been able to verify that the message does exist on GSX, and has subsequently been seen by resellers, the quoted date is likely erroneous.
The message reads:
Apple usually reserves Friday for big product launches, as evidenced by the recent debut of the iPhone 5s and 5c, as well as the iPad Air. A Tuesday launch, especially one without any public notice, would be out of the norm.
Apple has yet to announce a solid release date for the Retina mini since the device was unveiled alongside the iPad Air in October. At the time, Apple said the tablet would hit store shelves "later in November," prompting industry watchers to speculate of supply chain issues.
Most recently, a report out of the Far East claimed Apple partner manufacturer and Retina display supplier Sharp was having problems with screen burn-in, which translated into lower than expected yield rates.
While strictly speculation, it is interesting to point out that next Friday falls on Nov. 22, just one digit off Apple's GSX quote.
According to Apple's Global Service Exchange tool, the Retina iPad mini is set to debut on Nov. 12 local time in Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and the United States. The note was first spotted by MacRumors.
While AppleInsider has been able to verify that the message does exist on GSX, and has subsequently been seen by resellers, the quoted date is likely erroneous.
The message reads:
All of the above mentioned countries, save for the U.S., are already well into Nov. 12, with no sign of the Retina iPad mini at Apple Stores or third-party resellers. At the time of this writing, the local time in New Zealand is already well past 4 p.m., for example. It is highly unlikely that Apple will start sales before stores close.Published date: 11 Nov 2013
iPad mini (Retina), delivering razor sharp text and detail in the same amazingly thin and light design, will be available in the following countries on November 12, 2013 (local time).
- Australia
- China (Wi-Fi only)
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Singapore
- United States
Apple usually reserves Friday for big product launches, as evidenced by the recent debut of the iPhone 5s and 5c, as well as the iPad Air. A Tuesday launch, especially one without any public notice, would be out of the norm.
Apple has yet to announce a solid release date for the Retina mini since the device was unveiled alongside the iPad Air in October. At the time, Apple said the tablet would hit store shelves "later in November," prompting industry watchers to speculate of supply chain issues.
Most recently, a report out of the Far East claimed Apple partner manufacturer and Retina display supplier Sharp was having problems with screen burn-in, which translated into lower than expected yield rates.
While strictly speculation, it is interesting to point out that next Friday falls on Nov. 22, just one digit off Apple's GSX quote.
Comments
Edit: Wow! An amazing typo to be sure as noted by the comments.
Mine’s booked; can we make it the 32nd?
November seems like the most likely to me.
Of course it is, that's what Apple said.
The question is when in November, not which month.
November seems like the most likely to me.
Which part tipped you off, the part where it says "Coming later in November" on all iPad mini marketing material and Apple's website?
No clue if it was available before. Just mentioning this.
Not sure it was unavailable before but it can be bought (ordered) right now from the online store with delivery 5-7 business days. That's the HK online store.
No clue if it was available before. Just mentioning this.
Bollocks. It can not be orderd from the HK store at this time: http://store.apple.com/hk/buy-ipad/ipad-mini-retina
We are talking about the iPad Mini with Retina Display. It appears you are talking about the iPad Air.
Edit: Neither 'I' nor 'it' can be orderd from Hong Kong.
Apple's spokeswoman has declined to comment. This may very well be true.
http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2013/11/11/apple-support-site-retina-ipad-mini-coming-nov-12/
Apple's spokeswoman has declined to comment. This may very well be true.
What could be true?
It's 5:10pm in New Zealand and the iPad Mini with Retina Display is not even listed in their online Apple store. Not even with coming soon.
It's 3:10pm in Australia and the iPad Mini with Retina Display is currently unavailable to ship.
What could be true?
the 5:30am announcement thing is just a guess. However the Apple spokeswoman declined to comment rather than say the media is wrong flat out.
5:30am annoucement? It is 5:15pm in New Zealand on Nov 12th. The day is over. This is not happening on Nov 12th as suggested by the Support site.
Edit: Well I was wrong and happy about it. For some reason I was only considering the impossibility of in store sales and did not consider that they could just turn on pre-orders and still make this date of Nov 12th in NZ.Why? Ever?
Apple.
Bollocks. It can not be orderd from the HK store at this time: http://store.apple.com/hk/buy-ipad/ipad-mini-retina
We are talking about the iPad Mini with Retina Display. It appears you are talking about the iPad Air.
Edit: Neither 'I' nor 'it' can be orderd from Hong Kong.
NM
Apple Store is offline with the We'll Be Back message rotator.