Next iPad Mini to Have Retina Display?

ipad mini handWhile critics loved the iPad mini, the biggest complaint concerned the device's screen, which does not have a Retina resolution like Apple's larger iPad.

Retina seems like a logical update for Apple’s second generation iPad mini, and a report from Digitimes today says that Apple is indeed planning to increase the resolution of its next iPad mini.

Apple's next-generation iPad mini will focus mostly on enhancing the device’s display resolution, according to Taiwan-based backlighting industry sources.

The sources have yet to specify whether the device will use Apple’s Retina Display technology to enhanced resolution, but market observers said it is highly likely based on the development of past Apple products such as the iPhone and 9.7-inch iPad series.

Adding a Retina display to a device as thin as the iPad mini could be a tricky prospect, possibly requiring a large battery and a more robust processor, as it did when Apple introduced the Retina display to the full-sized iPad. This restriction has led notable technology site AnandTech to predict that the next iPad mini won't come with a Retina display, as stated in the site's iPad mini review.

Digitimes adds that the next generation 9.7-inch iPad will be lighter due to new LED light bar technology that will incorporate just one light bar instead of the two that are currently in the third and fourth generation iPads. While Digitimes has had a mixed record in the past, it's clear that they do have sources in Apple's supply chain.

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Top Rated Comments

TheSpeaker Avatar
162 months ago
You're kidding. no...really!? When did MacRumors hire Captain Obvious as a source?
Score: 51 Votes (Like | Disagree)
saud0488 Avatar
162 months ago
A lack of one still hasn't bothered me. If anything it's better w/o one since it doesn't drain a gigantic battery which would take an eternity to charge. A la iPad 3/4
Score: 25 Votes (Like | Disagree)
irDigital0l Avatar
162 months ago
Even though its DigitTimes...

How could the iPad mini not have a retina display? Its literally the only it needs to become an amazing device.
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
fdv Avatar
162 months ago
While it's obvious that everybody wants this to happen, and I'm sure it will happen eventually, I tend to agree with Anandtech. I think if it were feesable to add a retina display within the next year, Apple would have just done it with the original iPad Mini. I expect it will take a couple of years to develop a high res display for the Mini without compromising on its excellent weight and thickness.

Maybe I'm being naive, and it's possible to make one now, and Apple just released a low-res version first so people would shell out more money on the next one, but part of me still likes to think that Apple like making good products, and they would have done it already if it was possible.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
PrayForDeath Avatar
162 months ago
Why are these rumors coming out now already? Way to put a damper on those holiday sales.

It's a rumors site, deal with it.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Yamcha Avatar
162 months ago
I think we all know the next iPad Mini will have a Retina display..
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)