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Apple Reportedly Prepping for September Launch of New iPad, but iPad Mini Still in Flux

Monday July 8, 2013 7:12 am PDT by Eric Slivka
Digitimes reports that Apple has finalized plans for its fifth-generation iPad, targeting a September launch for the redesigned device that is rumored to be taking design cues from the iPad mini with narrower side bezels and a thinner body.
Since upstream suppliers have mostly finished preparing for the production of the new 9.7-inch iPad, there is unlikely to be any changes in terms of specifications for the device. [...]

Although suppliers have not yet received a firm mass production schedule from Apple and are mainly shipping products for pilot production, the sources pointed out that pilot production is already able to satisfy demand for the initial launch. Therefore, the sources expect Apple to give its shipment estimates at the end of July or early August.
The report indicates, however, that plans for the next-generation iPad mini remain unsettled, with Apple still working to incorporate a Retina display into the device. If the company does elect to bring a Retina display to its next iPad mini, the device could see a launch very late this year. The report also indicates that Apple has been pushing to reduce the width of the iPad mini's side bezels even further.

ipad_5_mini_ciccarese
Mockup of fifth-generation iPad next to iPad mini

Today's claims are very similar to ones made in an early June report from Digitimes indicating updated iPad and iPad mini models may not appear simultaneously, with the iPad mini trailing the iPad by several months.

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has also indicated that issues related to a Retina display were likely to result in a later-than-expected launch for the next iPad mini. Kuo's modeling back in April had estimated that the device could be updated some time in the September-November timeframe, while he believed that the full-size iPad would see shipments ramping in August or September.

Analysts at NPD DisplaySearch have also been expressing uncertainty about Apple's plans for its second-generation iPad mini, with their most recent report last month indicating that they expect Apple to launch a thinner non-Retina iPad mini late this year, with a Retina update coming relatively soon after in early 2014.

Related Roundups: iPad mini 5, iPad
Tag: digitimes.com
Buyer's Guide: iPad Mini (Buy Now), iPad (Don't Buy)
[ 85 comments ]


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locoboi187
75 months ago
I want that smaller bezel. I need that smaller bezel!
Rating: 9 Votes
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nfl46
75 months ago
I stopped reading after Digitimes reports...:rolleyes:
Rating: 8 Votes
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fertilized-egg
75 months ago
Oh man, this is so much fun! We should've had a lot of new iPads by now.

Next-Generation iPad and iPad Mini Rumored for March Launch (https://www.macrumors.com/2013/01/11/next-generation-ipad-and-ipad-mini-rumored-for-march-launch/)

Apple iPad 5 Rumors: Release Date Coming In April With Redesigned Features And Specs? (http://www.ibtimes.com/apple-ipad-5-rumors-release-date-coming-april-redesigned-features-specs-1174581)

iPad 5 Leak Points to June Release (http://www.forbes.com/sites/benzingainsights/2013/02/25/ipad-5-leak-points-to-june-release/)

Apple iPad Mini 2 Scheduled for July 2013 Release Date with New iOS 7 Multitasking Features? (http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/469867/20130522/apple-ipad-mini-2-scheduled-july-2013.htm#.UdrOzEG1FrZ)

Rumor: Low-cost iPhone, new iPad mini coming in August, but no 'iPhone 5S' until 2014 (http://appleinsider.com/articles/13/06/14/rumor-low-cost-iphone-new-ipad-mini-coming-in-august-but-no-iphone-5s-until-2014)

And now this article.
Rating: 7 Votes
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seecoolguy
75 months ago
after trying out the HTC One, I keep wondering why Apple never incorporated a front facing speaker? makes video watching that much more fun as you don't have to turn up the volume so high, and no need to cup your hand over the edge of the device. wonder when this will come to the iDevice?
Rating: 6 Votes
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Arran
75 months ago
Yeah, the retina mini has to come well after the ipad 5 to avoid cannibalization. I'd say 90 days at a minimum. Otherwise the ipad 5 early adopters will just return them for a mini.
Rating: 5 Votes
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macs4nw
75 months ago
128GB for a decent price, would be nice!
Rating: 5 Votes
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WilliamLondon
75 months ago

128GB for a decent price, would be nice!


I think 128GB will be the new 64GB version in the new model, and they'll drop the 16GB version in the full sized retina iPad (perhaps still offer it in an iPad 2 if they still offer the non-retina option). This will in the minds of consumers create additional value in the flagship iPad, which is more expensive, in that it'll have the larger size with more screen real estate (a thin beautiful mini-type chassis), plus it'll come standard with 32GB and offer 64GB and 128GB options, where the mini will continue to offer storage in 16/32/64GB sizes.
Rating: 5 Votes
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appleisking
75 months ago
Unlikely to be any changes in the specs? How is that possible?

----------

Why? You think the mini size is better? I mean besides the cost, which is a clear advantage - why would I want a mini?

Cheers
LaForge


It's more portable. I'd rather carry the mini along everywhere as opposed to the ipad.
Rating: 5 Votes
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ka-spot
75 months ago
First rMBP :rolleyes:
Rating: 4 Votes
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zorinlynx
75 months ago

I want that smaller bezel. I need that smaller bezel!


Umm, how is a smaller bezel a good thing?

With the current iPad, I ALREADY find myself accidentally touching the edges of the screen, especially when reading in iBooks which causes unwanted page turns.

A smaller bezel will reduce the number of positions I can comfortably hold the iPad in. I see that as a step backwards, not forward. It makes sense on the Mini because you can hold it with one hand on both sides, but not the regular size iPad.
Rating: 3 Votes

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