iPad mini 2

Apple may have delayed next-gen iPads over fire at LG Display’s subcontractor plant

Christian Zibreg ∙ April 17, 2013

An analyst report last Tuesday disappointed folks who were holding their breath for new iPads before this summer. As iDB told you, KGI Securities' rather accurate analyst Ming-Chi Kuo cited a number of "technical challenges" that Apple is currently facing in manufacturing the second-generation iPad mini and fifth-generation full-size iPad, leading him to believe that both products won't hit the market until Fall.

I've come across an accurate report which might explain that a fire which last week broke out in one of LG Display's subcontractor plants has forced Apple to frantically seek for alternative suppliers who could supply backlight units for iPads and MacBooks. All options are on table, including the display-making unit of Apple's frenemy Samsung...

Technical challenges delaying iPhone 5S, budget iPhone, iPad mini 2?

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who actually has a pretty good track record in predicting Apple's product plans, has some bad news for Apple fans. In a note issued to clients Thursday, he basically wrote that Apple's next batch of iDevice upgrades may hit the market later than originally expected due to a number of "technical challenges" related to the inclusion of fingerprint sensor beneath the Home button.

The rumored budget iPhone may be delayed because its slimmer-than-usual polycarbonate casing is proving harder nut to crack, while the second-generation iPad mini continues to face challenges with its high-resolution Retina panels. Jump past the fold for the full disclosure...

Apple reportedly cutting iPad mini shipments next quarter, new model coming?

Cody Lee ∙ Updated February 9, 2016

There's a new report out of China this morning, claiming that Apple is cutting shipments of its iPad mini next month. The cut is said to be a 20% reduction, with steeper cuts likely happening in the latter part of the second quarter.

While the folks on Wall Street will probably try to spin this into an 'Apple is doomed' story, despite the fact that there's evidence that the mini is selling very well, the consensus seems to be that it's preparing to launch a new model...

Apple won’t use Samsung screens for iPad 5 and iPad mini 2

Christian Zibreg ∙ March 20, 2013

In another hint of Apple distancing itself from Samsung by procuring crucial gadget components from alternative suppliers, we hear the Cupertino firm may have already dropped Samsung entirely as the maker of next-gen panels for a fifth-generation iPad and a second-generation iPad mini.

Both devices are rumored to arrive later this year, allegedly sporting the high-resolution Retina display technology and sharing a light aluminum chassis with thinner appearance and chamfered edges...

Supply chain chatter points to Retina iPad mini debut in second half of 2013

Cody Lee ∙ March 16, 2013

I have to admit, it feels kind of weird that we're in the middle of March and there's been no word of new iPads. I know, Apple just released two new ones back in October. But still, there's been an iPad event in the first quarter of every year for the past three years.

We've heard plenty of rumors though. There's been a lot of talk of the 5th-gen iPad getting a design makeover, and Apple's widely believed to give the mini a Retina display. And according to a new report, we can expect the latter in the second half of this year...

Rumor: iPhone 5S in August, new iPads possibly as early as next month

Christian Zibreg ∙ March 5, 2013

If a new report from a fairly accurate source is to be believed, Apple could be gearing up to launch next-generation iPads as early as next month, with both a fifth-generation 9.7-inch model and a second-generation 7.9-inch iPad mini apparently being considered for April, and each rocking Apple's high-resolution Retina display.

As for the iPhone 5S - a seventh-generation iPhone and a specs upgrade over the current iPhone 5 - Apple is looking to release this phone in late-summer, approximately around August...

Apple orders Retina iPad mini screens from Japan Display and LG Display

Christian Zibreg ∙ February 25, 2013

Apple, according to a new supply chain report out of Asia, has placed orders with LG Display and Japan Display for high-resolution Retina screens for a second-generation iPad mini. Japan Display is a merger of the mobile display operations of Sony, Hitachi and Toshiba, in conjunction with the Innovation Network Corporation of Japan. Now, LG Display and AU Optronics both currently supply 1,024-by-768 panels for the iPad mini, and iDB last week heard the latter has already started mass producing Retina panels for the second-generation iPad mini.

With LG Display and Japan Display now reportedly having been added to the mix - and with leaks like this purported back shell - all signs point to Apple lining up its suppliers ahead of manufacturing, usually a tell-tale sign that the official announcement is around the corner. And if the iPad mini 2 is in fact looming, we're probably looking at a summer launch at WWDC...

AU Optronics reportedly started mass producing iPad mini 2 Retina panels

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 12, 2018

Two days ago, sources reported AU Optronics, which alongside LG Display supplies Apple with 1,024-by-768 display panels for the iPad mini, recently began work on new screens for the next-generation iPad mini. And with yields allegedly now meeting Apple's exacting standards, Taiwan media Friday claimed AU Optronics started mass producing 2,048-by-1,536 324ppi Retina screens for the device, which is said to use the dual-core A5X chip and quad-core graphics to drive the display...

These rear shell photos could mean colors are coming to iPad mini 2

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 12, 2018

A fresh batch of images purportedly representing the back shell believed to belong to a next-generation iPad mini have popped up on a Chinese forum. On the surface, the back part is reminiscent of the current-generation iPad mini design. On closer inspection, however, it appears to be a little thicker. Per rumor mills, the next iPad mini looks virtually identical to the original, but if the iPad 3 is anything to go by, the Retina upgrade in fact could add thickness in order to accommodate a bigger battery and better graphics, both required to power the Retina display...

As iPad mini supply evens out, AU Optronics begins work on next-gen display

Cody Lee ∙ February 20, 2013

Yesterday we noticed that iPad mini supply has finally caught up with demand. For the first time since the tablet launched last November, all models are showing 'in stock' in Apple's online store, in several countries.

The improved stock is said to be due to AU Optronics solidifying higher yields of iPad mini panels. And not only has it figured out how to make the current-gen panels faster, but it's begun work on next-gen displays...

Would you pay more for an iPad mini with Retina display?

Cody Lee ∙ February 18, 2013

Apple is widely expected to do some major updating to its tablet line this fall. The latest reports allege that the company is going to give its 9.7-inch iPad a complete makeover, and squeeze a high resolution Retina display into its smaller sibling.

The latter scenario is particularly interesting, because screen resolution has been the one complaint users have had with the current iPad mini. But according to new data from iSuppli, consumers may end up paying more for the extra pixels...

Next-gen iPad mini said to have a 324ppi Retina display

Cody Lee ∙ Updated October 12, 2018

Taking a break from all of the jailbreak excitement this afternoon, we have a new report out of Taiwan claiming that sources close to Apple's panel suppliers have divulged new information about the next-generation iPad mini.

The 7.9-inch tablet has been extremely popular for Apple thus far, as supply is just now starting to catch up to demand three months after launch. And if this news is accurate, the next model is going to be an even bigger hit...