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iPad 5 and Mini 2 release update and Retina indecision

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One of the questions we are most asked at the moment regards a release date for the iPad 5 and iPad mini 2. Over the last few months we’ve seen varying speculation about this, but we have always maintained that they are likely to release in fall. A new report says that the iPad 5 is to be announced in September, and that would fit with an October release. However, it’s possible that the iPad mini 2 may not arrive until late in Q4, following indecision over a Retina display.

We’ve seen many rumors that the new iPads are on the way and being shipped ready for an August release, but to us it’s inconceivable that Apple will release the iPad 5 or iPad mini 2 without iOS 7. We already know from Apple that iOS 7 is set for a public release in fall so August is simply far too early to expect either device.

A report today from Taiwanese publication DigiTimes anticipates that Apple will officially unveil the iPad 5 in September, and following the usual patterns of Apple releases the device will release a few weeks later. Before we go any further we should stress that DigiTimes has a mixed record of accuracy when it comes to Apple device leaks, and we have no way of verifying the accuracy of this latest report. However, the site does sometimes hit the nail on the head, so with this in mind we thought readers would appreciate hearing the latest.

Today’s report about the next iPads also says that as far as the 9.7-inch fifth-generation iPad is concerned, the preparation is virtually finished and there are not likely to be any further changes before shipping. It’s claimed that the iPad 5 has a design with slimmer bezels giving more screen estate and also that the battery life has been improved, and instead of two LED tubes being used, this has been cut to one. Sources from the supply chain say that Apple has not yet set a concrete production schedule for the iPad 5, but that some pilot production is taking place for the initial release demand.

Moving on to the iPad mini 2, the report claims that there could still be further spec upgrades to be made to the finished article. Apparently Apple is still undecided whether it will have a Retina Display or not but if it decides to go ahead with a Retina version this may not be ready much before the end of the year. It seems that some suppliers have also been requested to make the bezel on the iPad mini 2 slimmer too, but of course we cannot confirm anything at this stage.

Are you waiting for the iPad 5 or iPad mini 2? Were you expecting to see a release much sooner? Maybe you’re hoping for a Retina display on the iPad mini 2 but don’t like the thought of having to wait until the end of the year for it? Let us know by sending in your comments.

Source: DigiTimes

Comments

5 thoughts on “iPad 5 and Mini 2 release update and Retina indecision”

    1. JTTH says:

      GBuy an Android tablet and don’t look back. There are currently excellent sub-$200 Android tablets with quad core processors, better resolution than the iPad mini, micro SD card slots, etc (see Hisnse Sero 7 Pro for $150 at Walmart; Hyundai T7 and T7S) as well as the new nexus 7 for $100 less than the mini and, at the high end, the Samsung note 8 which is truly the king of 7-8″ tablet world…the s pen plus multi window capacity will blow your socks off. If retina level screen is the most important to you then the nexus 7 2 may be your best bet. That list is just a sampling. I mention the prices as an added benefit over the iPad but I think these tablets are just as good, if not better in most ways, than the mini so their cheaper price is just a bonus.

      The current mini is stuck in 2010, literally, with 512 MBA RAM and worse resolution than the $70 no name tablets….my T7S came with 2 GB RAM and a 1280×800 7″ screen (not to mention a quad core exynos 4412 processor and a micro SD card slot) for $170. It is a pleasure to use. We don’t know what the new mini will bring but given the vast strides it needs to make to be a late2013 product, it is hard for me to imagine that the price will be competitive… plus it is apple so the idea of a competitive price is laughable. Thus there is no reason to wait for apple to hem and haw about whether to put a retina screen in the next mini. You can spend the hundreds of dollars you will save on apps for your new nexus 7 2.

  1. xavier says:

    Anyone looking to buy an iPad should definitely check out this site: ipaddirect1.mybigcommerce(dot)com/. You’ll save a ton of money, the prices are ridiculous. You’re welcome.

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