With Apple’s rumored October 15 release event nearing daily, speculation surrounding the upcoming set of next-generation iPads and iPad minis are running wild. The latest report, however, suggests that perhaps Apple isn’t quite ready to debut its miniature tablet as the iPad 5 is not likely to be released alongside the new iPad mini with Retina display.
The last iPad and iPad mini rumor we heard was concerning the likelihood of an October 15 release. Prior gossip had indicated that perhaps Apple was gearing up to launch both slates alongside the iPhone 5S, iPhone 5C and iOS 7 though the latter three took the stage at Cupertino by themselves earlier this month.
It later came to light that Apple seemed more inclined to release both tablets in October, for reasons unknown but certainly mulled over by the Apple faithful. It had been said previously that Apple was encountering difficulties in implementing its signature Retina display in the iPad mini leading to subsequent shipping and launch delays.
According to Apple Insider, IHS iSuppli’s director of Tablet and Monitor Research, Rhoda Alexander, who has supply chain information, noted “The Retina Mini looks less certain for that time. Manufacturing volumes on that would match better with a Q114 [first quarter 2014] launch.”
It’s still likely, though, that the iPad mini make an appearance at the October event, should an event actually be in the works.
Though specs for both devices are scarce at this point in time, we’ve learned from leaked photos and details that the 5th-gen iPad with Retina display will boast a 9.7-inch screen and borrow thin bezel design cues from the current iPad mini. Conversely, the 2nd-gen iPad mini’s screen will measure 7.9-inches.
BGR recently came across a set of leaked photos, as seen above, from China that indicate the iPad mini would be made available upon its release in gold and boast the Touch ID fingerprint sensor included in the new iPhone 5S. Though even BGR can’t attest to each snapshots’ authenticity, it wouldn’t be a far reach to consider that Apple is gearing up to include some of its newest innovations in the much-awaited tablet.
Stay tuned to BostInno for the latest iPad and iPad mini information as we’ll be sure to keep you updated with more release date, specs, and price details as they continue to be made available.
