DisplaySearch Claims Apple Is Planning Retina iPad mini, 4.7-Inch iPhone 6 And More
by Joe White
October 9, 2013
In a post added to his company's blog, DisplaySearch vice president David Hsieh claims that the next generation of Apple's iDevices are to continue relying on impressive display technology for product innovation. In particular, Hsieh draws attention to the second-generation iPad mini and the eighth-generation iPhone - or rather, the iPad mini 2 and iPhone 6.
Hsieh argues that the iPad mini is set to receive a Retina display later this year, as rumors have indeed indicated. Of course, on the other hand, analysts and commentators have argued that Apple could be "unable" to launch an iPad mini with Retina display this fall (potentially due to battery life problems created by the super high-resolution display).
However, Hsieh is having none of it.
Instead, he envisages a 7.9-inch 2,048 by 1,538 display launching with the second-generation iPad mini in the coming months. As a reminder, an iPad mini 2 announcement is rumored to be scheduled for as early as Oct. 22.
In addition, Hsieh also argues that a 12.9-inch iPad featuring a resolution of 2,732 by 2,048 is in the works, and will launch at some point in 2014. Indeed, this isn't unfamiliar news, either. As we reported last month:
Apple is rumored to be working on a new 12-inch version of the iPad. According to the Taiwanese publication United Daily News, the tech giant is developing the supposed “giant” of a tablet model with partner manufacturer Quanta Computer.But that's not all. Based on "supply chain research," DisplaySearch also claims that Apple is planning on launching two larger iPhone models in 2014. One model, Hsieh argues, will offer a 4.7-inch screen at 1,280 by 720 resolution, while the other handset will purportedly feature a 5.7-inch 1,920 by 1,080 screen. Rumors of a "phablet" iPhone have been circulating online for some time, and earlier this year Jefferies & Co.’s Peter Misek claimed that such a handset - be it the iPhone 6, or the "iPhone maxi" - could launch as early as mid-2014. Other reports, too, have indicated that the market demands a phablet-style iPhone. Finally, Hsieh compliments his rather far-ranging report by claiming that the long-rumored Apple HDTV, iWatch, and MacBook Air with Retina display are in the works, and are scheduled for release in 2014. All have been in the cards for some time, though whether Apple's product pipeline will see each item hit Apple Store shelves as soon as next year remains to be seen. For now, we're looking ahead to Apple's anticipated iPad event. See also: Kik Messenger Gets New iOS 7 Redesign, Gains New "My Little Pony" Sticker Pack, Take Terimino-Stacking To The Next Level With The Newly Updated Tetris Blitz, and Piper Jaffray's Survey Shows iPhone Is Hugely Popular Among Teens.
