Apple iPad Mini 2 with Retina display Delayed Further, Possibly coming next year

Apple iPad Mini 2 has been delayed until Q1 2014.The Cupertino-based tech giant is in no mood to bring the next-generation iPad Mini in September. Sources close of China's Economic Daily say Apple wanted to announce iPad Mini 2 later in the year. The reason for the delay is not out yet, but it seems that the tech titian is facing production delays in manufacturing high-resolution displays for the iPad Mini.

Few days back, Digitimes claimed that the fifth -generation iPad would arrive on time. The tablet is said boast of a slim bezel like original iPad Mini. The report further sheds light on the improved battery life, "Since upstream suppliers have mostly finished preparing for the production of the new 9.7-inch iPad, there is unlikely to be any changes in terms of specifications for the device."

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Research analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities predicted in the past that it would be difficult for Apple to announce iPad Mini 2 in September. He also pointed out at production delay, as the valid reason for the delay. It is believed that Apple is having issues in manufacturing 7.9-inch Retain Display panels. Kuo also expressed that Tim Cook could announce a cheaper iPad Mini to boost demand. The cheaper iPad Mini would sell anywhere $199 to $249.

Back in May, DigiTimes reported that AU Optronics (AUO), the lead manufacturer who makes display panels to used in the iPad Mini, are excepting to ship just over 2.5 million display units. Last quarter, the same manufacturer had shipped around 4 million panels for the iPad Mini. It is speculated that LG is said to work on Retina Display. The production is scheduled to kick off this month.

Richard Shim, an analyst at NPD DisplaySearch said in the report "We should see the start of mass production of the panels in June or July."

Mr. Shim further said "Samsung is currently not in the iPad Mini and they won't be in the next generation. LGD is becoming a much bigger supplier than before". "We're going to start to see a bunch of tablets [coming out] with a pixel density over 300. At a certain point it will be hard to discern that improved image quality."