Apple May Release iPad Mini with Retina Display Later This Year

Experts in the industry recently revealed that Apple will introduce a new iPad Mini model with Retina Display technology in Q3 or Q4 this year. Apple may apply the same biannual release pattern for the iPad Mini, which means we could see a new iPad Mini model this April, followed by another one later this year.

If the upcoming tablet still uses the same 7.9mm display size, it needs 2048 x 1536 resolution to achieve 324ppi of pixel density. It would be a bit challenging for both Apple and the display supplier to employs this display on a 7.2mm thick chassis. Consequently, it may be necessary to make the tablet somewhat thicker.

For now, LG Display is the most likely candidate to manufacture the high resolution display, although Japan Display, Sharp and AU Optronics are other possibilities. Apple has asked Japan Display to manufacture the 4” display for the iPhone 5 and it is looking for subsequent orders for tablet displays.