iPad Mini 2 Release Date Confirmed for Oct. 22: Invites Sent Out to Event
The iPad mini 2 release date will be on Oct. 22.
The new device will be unveiled at a media event set to take place on that date. Apple sent out invites to it earlier today. The fifth-generation iPad is also expected to debut there.
The iPad mini that will debut at the event might not be the version with Retina as the release for that model could end up being pushed back to 2014.
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Apple seems to have encountered issues with the production of that version that will force the company to delay its release, according to a report from Reuters. The publication's sources claim that Apple will have to wait until early next year to launch or will resort to releasing it this year in very limited quantities.
Apple's reason for the delay appears to be related to the retina display, however specifics on the issue are unavailable at this time. One of the sources said there were delays in Apple's certification of panel producers. They were given strict power-saving requirements that some might have been unable to meet.
Various companies such as LG, Samsung and Sharp were all hired to produce the displays for the tablet.
The power saving requirements for the Retina display were expected to be an issue by various analysts in the tech industry as this news is consistent with some of the previously rumored challenges to integrating this type of screen technology into a device the size of the iPad mini.
Other sources claim Apple has told suppliers to reduce cost which means the company could potentially release an 8GB model to compete in emerging markets.
KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claimed last month that the Retina iPad mini would be released before the end of 2013. Apple is still planning to unveil a new line of iPads sometime this month. If the Retina iPad mini does not make an appearance at the full sized model's unveiling, it probably will not be introduced until next year.
