Alleged Retina panel shortages could push back iPad mini 2 into early-2014

iPad mini (three-up, front, back, profile, white)

While supply chain sources appear to agree that a fifth-generation iPad is launching this Fall, pointing to Apple’s procurement of components ahead of trial production, there is no definite consensus on a successor to the 7.9-inch iPad mini.

A new report out from Taiwan on Friday asserted that Retina panel shortages may have forced Apple’s leadership to push back the device into early-2014.

Tim Cook & Co. have reportedly scrapped the original plan which called for launching the iPad mini 2 during the fourth quarter of 2013, in time for the holiday shopping season…

This information was reported on by Taiwan’s Economic Daily News, via MacRumors. The story alleges Apple may even introduce both Retina and non-Retina versions of the iPad mini 2.

The sentiment echoes that of May’s NPD DisplaySearch report calling for two Retina iPad mini 2 models, one in the second half of this year and another in the first quarter of 2014, sporting a faster chip.

Apple pulled a similar maneuver last year when unveiling the iPad 4 with Lightning I/O and a faster A6X chip just six months following the iPad 3’s introduction.

Back in April, the reliable KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo similarly told clients “technical challenges” would probably push back the second-generation iPad mini until September-November timeframe.

Likewise, on Monday the hit-and-miss Taiwanese trade publication DigiTimes wrote Apple is “still adjusting” the new iPad mini as Apple’s engineers reportedly face challenges in terms of the impact of the power-hungry Retina Display on battery life.