Sources close to Apple have revealed that the company will be unable to widely roll out a new version of the iPad Mini with a high-resolution "retina" display this month, as was originally planned. People who work in the company's supply chain that logistically there won't be enough time.
According to Reuters, Apple's supply chain is only now gearing up to make retina displays for the iPad Mini, which means the gadgets could be available in only limited quantities in 2013, if they're available this year at all. This means that, unless the company wants to make the devastating decision not to include the retina display, it will miss out on the all-important year-end holiday shopping season.
It remains unclear what other modifications could be included in the new iPad Mini but a higher-resolution screen, camera and lighter dimensions are among the improvements users have come to expect with an updated product from Apple. This means that if the company decides to push forward and release the iPad Mini 2 without the retina display, customers might get noticeably upset.
The feature is currently available on most newer full-sized iPads. It has become a common staple for tablets from competing tablets like the Google Nexus 7 and Amazon's seven-inch Kindle Fire HDX, due to go on sale this month.
So far there are no reasons available for why the manufacturing of the retina display on the iPad Mini 2 is experiencing delays. One source from Reuters, who wished to remain anonymous claimed the issue had to do with Apple's certification of panel producers, which were given strict power-saving requirements.
If these rumors are true, it looks like most people will have to wait until sometime early next year for the iPad Mini 2 to have a proper launch. Another option would be to make the retina display available in limited quantities before the end of 2013. There is currently no word yet on which decision the company is leaning toward.
