Analyst: Apple to release Retina display iPad mini models in Q3 and early 2014 [u]
While customers waiting for Apple to launch a Retina display-toting iPad mini may have to hold out until the third quarter, one analyst believes the company is already preparing a third-generation device set for debut in the first quarter of 2014.
Update: NPD DisplaySearch analyst Richard Shim is now saying that Apple will release two Retina iPad mini versions, "One in the second half of this year, then one in Q1 of 2014. The Q1 device will have a Retina display plus an updated processor." The move would be much like last year's debut of the slightly tweaked fourth-generation iPad, which hit store shelves roughly six months after the third-generation model.
A previous version of this report cited Shim as saying the second-generation iPad mini wouldn't see release until 2014. The below article has been modified to reflect the new information.

NPD DisplaySearch analyst Richard Shim said a Retina-capable iPad mini is set for release in the third quarter of this year, while a second model is is already being readied for the first quarter of 2014, reports CNET. Apple is widely rumored to be including a high-resolution LCD panel in an upcoming iteration of the 7.9-inch iPad, which would bring it in line with the company's latest iOS device offerings.
"We're looking at Q1 2014," Shim said, referring to the third-generation iPad mini. "The date's in flux."
Up in the air, according to Shim, is the screen technology Apple plans to utilize in the next-gen iPad mini. He speculates that the iPhone 5's low-temperature polysilicon (LTPS) display will be used, though yield rates for such panels become increasingly slim when screen size is increased.
Another concern is the viability of releasing a follow-up iPad mini at a price point comparable, or equal to, the current generation. Mass production would undoubtedly affect parts costs for Apple, which has traditionally tagged refreshed products at the same cost as outgoing models.
Shim's statements echo those of noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who in April said setbacks pertaining to adequate display production could see a later than expected release for the so-called "iPad mini 2."
Previous estimates also pointed to a quarter three release for the as yet unannounced tablet, which would be consistent with Apple's usual yearly refresh cycle.
Update: NPD DisplaySearch analyst Richard Shim is now saying that Apple will release two Retina iPad mini versions, "One in the second half of this year, then one in Q1 of 2014. The Q1 device will have a Retina display plus an updated processor." The move would be much like last year's debut of the slightly tweaked fourth-generation iPad, which hit store shelves roughly six months after the third-generation model.
A previous version of this report cited Shim as saying the second-generation iPad mini wouldn't see release until 2014. The below article has been modified to reflect the new information.

NPD DisplaySearch analyst Richard Shim said a Retina-capable iPad mini is set for release in the third quarter of this year, while a second model is is already being readied for the first quarter of 2014, reports CNET. Apple is widely rumored to be including a high-resolution LCD panel in an upcoming iteration of the 7.9-inch iPad, which would bring it in line with the company's latest iOS device offerings.
"We're looking at Q1 2014," Shim said, referring to the third-generation iPad mini. "The date's in flux."
Up in the air, according to Shim, is the screen technology Apple plans to utilize in the next-gen iPad mini. He speculates that the iPhone 5's low-temperature polysilicon (LTPS) display will be used, though yield rates for such panels become increasingly slim when screen size is increased.
Another concern is the viability of releasing a follow-up iPad mini at a price point comparable, or equal to, the current generation. Mass production would undoubtedly affect parts costs for Apple, which has traditionally tagged refreshed products at the same cost as outgoing models.
Shim's statements echo those of noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who in April said setbacks pertaining to adequate display production could see a later than expected release for the so-called "iPad mini 2."
Previous estimates also pointed to a quarter three release for the as yet unannounced tablet, which would be consistent with Apple's usual yearly refresh cycle.
Comments
(yawn)
when will they finally switch to it?? it's much needed
These analysts sometimes have a lot of nerve with their predictions.
Can't analysts just be fired in general so the companies themselves can give accurate information regarding their products?
The press always stumps up with ye olde fourth estate argument and swans off into the sunset smelling of roses of course.
Best thing Apple can do is just prove them wrong and ignore them.
Actions speak louder than words - despite what the press might have people believe.
Some of these clowns have to say something, anything will do just to justify whatever inflated salary they're getting paid.
Yet again, another story catered for the sharemarket - which will have zero impact on Apple in the real world.
SEC or whoever the governing body is really needs to put in some regulation on what all these analysts are spewing!
Or you (like anyone who is the target audience for these analysts, and is essentially paying their salary) could decide whether it is valuable information to you, and act or not act on it.
The people who stand to make a lot of money based on betting/investing using analysts' information are in a FAR better position to regulate what is out there by simply not demanding their information anymore than any bureaucrat could ever be.
I can't be wrong!
You, sir, just gave the standard formula for error-free analysis.
Quote:
Originally Posted by RobM
And the FUD continues.
(yawn)
you keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.
FUD is a term to describe what competitors do to state you won't or can't deliver. An analyst tossing out an optimistic (2-5 months) view of an iPad Mini Retina is not FUD.
Ballmer stating that Apple doesn't know smart phones is FUD
Adobe saying that the Apple is breaking the Internet by not allowing flash or java on the iPhone is FUD.
An Analyst saying a new and improved model is 'any day now' (in corporate time) is not.
Quote:
Originally Posted by drblank
Oh, Analysts say that a Retina iPad mini is not coming out until 2014? Do they know everything about Apple and the panel makers they plan on using? What happens if they are wrong? Can people sue these people for giving out false information coming from industry experts?
These analysts sometimes have a lot of nerve with their predictions.
AI Article:
Quote:
"NPD DisplaySearch analyst Richard Shim said a Retina-capable iPad mini is set for release in the third quarter of this year,"
Did you ever think you have a learning disability? Lucky for you they can't sue people for that.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Prism
Oooooooh, an "analyst" "thinks". Well, that won't do any good to the shares.
Can't analysts just be fired in general so the companies themselves can give accurate information regarding their products?
AAPL is up 1.58% 38 minutes prior to open. Your 'Analysis' seems to be flawed. Can we fire you? And it will be down sometime today... Does that mean this info is actually affecting the market (or more importantly, my life?)?
Analysts are a creature of your/our imagination or lack thereof, and the concept of wide distribution of 'insider' info that in the past only wall street/fleet street types were privy to.
This Website is basically named for the type of person you want to fire. We want any and all information to make decisions or feel good about the decisions we just made.
These Analysts are paid to feed two monsters. The craving for news that affects our psyche, and the pockets of enterpeneurs who take ad clicks, subscriptions, , and private reports (the stuff we don't get to see) sent directly to competitors, wealthy private investors, and potentially themselves who may be playing the market.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rogifan
Wait, so we're supposed to believe Apple will release a retina iPad mini in Q4 and then a new one again in Q1 2014? That makes zero sense.
The article said Q3. Why the revisionism?
did the iPad 4 make sense then?
there was a lot of argument at the time of the iPad4 release that it was timed for 2 reasons
1) to maintain the new connector technology across all 'top of the line' devices
2) the technology was ready (A6X)
and now in hindsight
3) better to release a product in a holiday quarter than wait 6 months to maintain some tick/tock bi annual schedule, especially when you want to maintain a projected profit margin for the iPad line (would anybody buy a iPad 3 at $499 when the new iPad Mini was released?)
4) maybe they knew that economy was trending to flat line and that the psychology of 'new' would be better during the holiday quarter.
an Ipad mini Retina is the same issue as all in mobile devices: performance(speed/interface-quality)/weight/batterylife/cost-to-build(profit). Maybe the performance vector has improved and/or battery efficiencies have improved, and the time to strike is now, and in 10 months, another technology will drop into line. Heck for all we know, it won't be the same Mini, maybe a 7" (never say never).
It could be a feature in iOS 7 that requires an A7 capable chip set, and they can't drive performance into the batteries this year... so better to have a 'back to school iPad Mini Retina' that is slightly imperfect compared to a A7 chipped iPad10", and then 'fix it' in the Spring (or enable it across all flagship devices in a dot release)?
Finally, having 6 month releases make more sense with one or 2 Big Monster competitiors (Samsung, Amazon). When you have a 5 year lead (iPhone 2G, iPad 1), annual releases are fine. Remember how many tablets there were in 2009? now, what... 4 that are credible? (apple samsung, asus, and dare i say Microsoft?) With Samsung able to must a credible integrated digital life, and Amazon's scorched earth pricing policy, Apple needs to maintain leadership... It can't take years off (see Microsoft with Windows or Office releases) to build quantum great devices.
Zero sense. not quite.
Originally Posted by OnlyShawn
Or you (like anyone who is the target audience for these analysts, and is essentially paying their salary) could decide whether it is valuable information to you, and act or not act on it.
Huh? That'd involve getting all news sites to stop reposting their drivel. It isn't going to happen. What CAN happen, however, is being fined a few million for lying.