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iOS 7 Beta Suggests Non-Retina A6-Powered iPad Mini in Development

Wednesday July 31, 2013 11:25 am PDT by Jordan Golson
According to the iOS 7 beta, Apple is testing a new iPad mini model that includes an A6 chip -- the same as the current iPhone 5 -- and a non-retina display, reports 9to5Mac.

The information was sent to the site by developer Nick Frey, who found the details inside a file that lists all the iOS devices that support iOS 7. The A6 processor would be a logical upgrade for the iPad mini, advancing its main processing chip to the next generation.

NewImage
According to the provided information, Apple is considering three new iPad mini models: iPad “2,8,” iPad “2,9,” and iPad “2,10.” The respective code names for the devices are J75, J76, and J77. This points to one WiFi-only model and two cellular-compatible models (just like the current iPad minis).

[…]

As for what these new iPad minis will feature, the references state that the devices include the “s5l8950x” processor. This is the same A6 system-on-a-chip inside of Apple’s iPhone 5, and this would offer significant speed improvements for the iPad mini compared to the current A5-based model.
Current iPad mini models are nicknamed '2,5'; '2,6'; and '2,7'. 9to5Mac also notes that the models don't include references to '@2x' code that relates to Retina-display supported artwork -- that code is included in the iPhone 5 and the fourth-generation iPad, leading the site to conclude that the new mini will not include a Retina display.

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has vacillated in recent months over Apple's plans for the iPad mini, most recently saying that a Retina-equipped device would launch sometime in March or April of 2014, with Apple not planning to upgrade the device at all until that time.

It's possible that this non-retina iPad mini is merely a device in testing, but while Kuo has a strong track record, it's always possible that Apple could change product release plans at the last minute.

[ 248 comments ]

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MacBookPro13"
81 months ago
I won't be buying an iPad Mini until it has a retina display.
Rating: 58 Votes
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gmanist1000
81 months ago
That's just sad if the Nexus 7 will have a beautiful display an entire year before the Mini gets one in 2014.
Rating: 24 Votes
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lolkthxbai
81 months ago

These are going to sell like hot cacks.

Pun very much intended.


Wut?
Rating: 23 Votes
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Klae17
81 months ago
And sadly, they will still sell more than the new Nexus 7. Sucks to be an Apple fan sometimes.
Rating: 14 Votes
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Baklava
81 months ago
Sad, SO SAD! The next Gen. iPad mini will be rubbish without retina!
Rating: 13 Votes
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MN7119
81 months ago
NO RETINA = NO iPad Mini for me. That simple!!!!!:mad:
Rating: 9 Votes
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zackkmac
81 months ago
Really hope the retina mini does come out soon. I have been waiting and waiting. :apple:
Rating: 9 Votes
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Tankmaze
81 months ago
Release the kraken!

but seriously the way apple positioned ipad mini as underpowered than the full ipad is a bit disappointing. I know its all about marketing and product positioning, but still the ipad mini can be as productive as the full ipad.
Rating: 9 Votes
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pgiguere1
81 months ago

Release the kraken!

but seriously the way apple positioned ipad mini as underpowered than the full ipad is a bit disappointing. I know its all about marketing and product positioning, but still the ipad mini can be as productive as the full ipad.


I'm pretty sure their marketing is actually the exact opposite.



They also made that part very clear in the keynote.

You may agree or disagree with Apple's statements, but that's still how they position the iPad mini in their marketing.
Rating: 8 Votes
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tech4all
81 months ago

I won't be buying an iPad Mini until it has a retina display.


You could get a Nexus 7 that's been 'retina' since it debuted last year. Unless your one of those folks here who thinks Android is their arch enemy and is 'evil.' ;)

And sadly, they will still sell more than the new Nexus 7. Sucks to be an Apple fan sometimes.


That's just sad if the Nexus 7 will have a beautiful display an entire year before the Mini gets one in 2014.


Apple knows they could under spec any device they sell, charge a premium for it and it will sell in record numbers. But what's really sad is that some people are so loyal to Apple, that they'll buy anything from them even if the competition is better. I understand some might really prefer iOS, but it's obvious some here think they work for Apple or are part of their military unit or something and will stick to the :apple: at any cost.

How is it sad? A tablet is more than a display. More than hardware in general in fact.


Well the Nexus 7 out specs the mini in pretty all ways. Display, RAM, processor, graphics, storage (for the price), etc. The software is subjective. When it comes to mobile, Android wins hands down IMO. I'd love to consider iOS, but, when Apple makes a big deal that the 8-limit tab limit on Safari is no more, I just shake my head and keep using Android.
Rating: 8 Votes

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