Retina iPad mini Could Arrive In Second Half Of 2013, Says Analyst
March 16, 2013
The much-rumored iPad mini with Retina display could be launched in the second half of 2013. That's according to DisplaySearch analyst Paul Semenza, who based his prediction on supply chain data.
Semenza has told CNET that the Retina iPad mini will have a resolution of 2,048 x 1,536.
No surprise there. That’s the same as the resolution of the full-size iPad with Retina display, which, at 9.7 inches, has a pixel density of 264 ppi.
But the Retina iPad mini, at 7.9 inches, will result in a higher pixel density of 324 ppi.
That's certainly a welcome development. But not so welcome is the prospect of having to increase the iPad mini's thickness (and weight) so as to accommodate the device's Retina display, as was done with the full-size iPad.
Semenza points to LG Display as the manufacturer most likely to produce the display. But he also mentions AU Optronics, Japan Display, and Sharp as possible candidates.
Previous reports have suggested that the iPad mini's Retina display could cost as much as $12 more than the current display, increasing Apple’s cost per unit to approximately $200.
Earlier this month, Rene Ritchie of iMore, who has a fairly good track record in reporting on future Apple releases, wrote that a new version of the iPad mini may debut as early as next month. But a Retina display for this new version "still doesn't sound imminent."
