iPad mini

Supply chain chatter points to Retina iPad mini debut in second half of 2013

Cody Lee ∙ March 16, 2013

I have to admit, it feels kind of weird that we're in the middle of March and there's been no word of new iPads. I know, Apple just released two new ones back in October. But still, there's been an iPad event in the first quarter of every year for the past three years.

We've heard plenty of rumors though. There's been a lot of talk of the 5th-gen iPad getting a design makeover, and Apple's widely believed to give the mini a Retina display. And according to a new report, we can expect the latter in the second half of this year...

AU Optronics reportedly started mass producing iPad mini 2 Retina panels

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 12, 2018

Two days ago, sources reported AU Optronics, which alongside LG Display supplies Apple with 1,024-by-768 display panels for the iPad mini, recently began work on new screens for the next-generation iPad mini. And with yields allegedly now meeting Apple's exacting standards, Taiwan media Friday claimed AU Optronics started mass producing 2,048-by-1,536 324ppi Retina screens for the device, which is said to use the dual-core A5X chip and quad-core graphics to drive the display...

These rear shell photos could mean colors are coming to iPad mini 2

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 12, 2018

A fresh batch of images purportedly representing the back shell believed to belong to a next-generation iPad mini have popped up on a Chinese forum. On the surface, the back part is reminiscent of the current-generation iPad mini design. On closer inspection, however, it appears to be a little thicker. Per rumor mills, the next iPad mini looks virtually identical to the original, but if the iPad 3 is anything to go by, the Retina upgrade in fact could add thickness in order to accommodate a bigger battery and better graphics, both required to power the Retina display...

As iPad mini supply evens out, AU Optronics begins work on next-gen display

Cody Lee ∙ February 20, 2013

Yesterday we noticed that iPad mini supply has finally caught up with demand. For the first time since the tablet launched last November, all models are showing 'in stock' in Apple's online store, in several countries.

The improved stock is said to be due to AU Optronics solidifying higher yields of iPad mini panels. And not only has it figured out how to make the current-gen panels faster, but it's begun work on next-gen displays...

iPad 5 to switch to iPad mini display tech for thinner assembly

Christian Zibreg ∙ February 19, 2013

According to new reports by Taiwanese media outlets, Apple is said to be lining up suppliers for a fifth-generation 9.7-inch iPad. The gizmo is said to adopt a revamped touchscreen technology, basically the same "GF2" display tech found on the 7.9-inch iPad mini. The iPad mini's display assembly is notably thinner compared to its bigger brother that sports the glass-on-glass design so the reports jive nicely with previous rumors pointing to the iPad 5 borrowing a few design ideas from the iPad mini, namely a thinner and lighter appearance...

Would you pay more for an iPad mini with Retina display?

Cody Lee ∙ February 18, 2013

Apple is widely expected to do some major updating to its tablet line this fall. The latest reports allege that the company is going to give its 9.7-inch iPad a complete makeover, and squeeze a high resolution Retina display into its smaller sibling.

The latter scenario is particularly interesting, because screen resolution has been the one complaint users have had with the current iPad mini. But according to new data from iSuppli, consumers may end up paying more for the extra pixels...

Next-gen iPad mini said to have a 324ppi Retina display

Cody Lee ∙ Updated October 12, 2018

Taking a break from all of the jailbreak excitement this afternoon, we have a new report out of Taiwan claiming that sources close to Apple's panel suppliers have divulged new information about the next-generation iPad mini.

The 7.9-inch tablet has been extremely popular for Apple thus far, as supply is just now starting to catch up to demand three months after launch. And if this news is accurate, the next model is going to be an even bigger hit...

New Apple TV could hint at A5X iPad mini with Retina display

Cody Lee ∙ January 31, 2013

The unknown 'Apple TV 3,2' device caused a lot of commotion when it was first discovered in iOS 6.1 earlier this week. It has a faster processor than the current model, and a lot of folks figured it was the next-gen Apple TV.

Apple, however, crushed the hype when they announced yesterday that the 3,2 ATV was nothing more than a component change. But according to some recent chatter, there may be more to the device than meets the eye...

iPad mini is on fire: Apple moving 12M units in Q1

Ed Sutherland ∙ January 30, 2013

Days after reports suggesting shorter delays for Apple's iPad mini comes rumors the company could ship about 11 million of the 7.9-inch tablets during the first quarter of 2013. The potential reason: an improved supply chain from China's factories producing the device.

At last week's earnings call, Apple CEO Tim Cook said iPad mini shipments were constrained during the all-important holiday period. While in December there was a week delay shipping the tablet, the shipping wait had fallen to 3-5 days by mid-January. The shortened shipping time was likely the precursor of today's rumor about first quarter demand...

iPhone 5S said to feature upgraded camera, new iPad Mini coming in October

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 10, 2018

Following up on this morning's report of Apple's plans for this year's iPhone and iPad updates, iLounge has posted a new article with additional information. The intel comes from a 'trusted source,' and offers product code names and other specifics.

The previous scoop claimed that the iPad 5 has been redesigned, with iPad mini-like bezels and size, and has a target date of October. Details of the iPhone 5S were less bountiful, but the site has now elaborated on it and added remarks on the new mini...

Samsung to take on Apple with mini Galaxy Note

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated February 24, 2013

Samsung of South Korea will later this month take another crack at dethroning the tablet leader Apple by going after the Cupertino firm's iPad mini, a 7.9-inch mini tablet computer released on November 2, 2012 and starting at $320 for the Wi-Fi only version with sixteen gigabytes of storage.

The new Note reportedly has a 720p (1,280-by-800) Super Clear LCD screen measuring eight inches diagonally and comes with Samsung's trademark S-Pen. Hardware specifications allegedly aren't that special as Samsung is possibly using cheaper components in order to undercut the iPad mini on price...

Supply cuts a result of Apple’s adoption of IGZO screens for upcoming iDevices?

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 15, 2013

The reduction in orders of iPhone 5 displays and other components isn't a sign of weak demand as sober analysts paint demand as robust. Nevertheless, the rumor has opened door for more speculation that the Cupertino, California company is winding down production of the iPhone 5 ahead of the iPhone 5S release in June or July.

Be that as it may, it would be very atypical of Apple to pull the current-generation model from shelves after just six months. Even as the company switches to a bi-annual refresh cycle, it will still want to continue offering the iPhone 5 at a reduced price after the next-gen model becomes available. According to a new report, these supply cuts are actually the result of Apple considering IGZO displays for upcoming iOS devices...