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Retina iPad Mini 2 Reportedly Coming Alongside iPad Air 2, New Smart Cover and Case Colors

Monday October 13, 2014 11:01 am PDT by Kelly Hodgkins
While the second-generation iPad Air has been the subject of a number of rumors ahead of its expected unveiling this Thursday, there has been less information about the Retina iPad mini, which is currently more or less identical to its larger sibling with the exception of display size.

Apple has generally been assumed to be planning a parallel upgrade for the iPad mini this month, but an early September report from KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo expressed some uncertainty, saying the iPad mini would receive only a minor upgrade such as Touch ID, "if any", this year. Kuo's report was followed by another from Taiwanese media claiming the Retina iPad mini 2 was likely to launch early in 2015 ahead of the rumored 12.9-inch "iPad Pro".

But now a new report from Mac Otakara [Google Translate] claims the second-generation Retina iPad mini does indeed appear set for an introduction alongside the iPad Air at this Thursday's press event.

retina_ipad_mini_colors_front_back
As part of this introduction, Apple also may update its Smart Cover and Smart Case lineup with new colors and a tweaked design compatible with these new tablets.

While leaked iPad Air 2 components have been abundant, details on the upcoming Retina iPad mini 2 have been sparse, with a few reports claiming the device will receive only a modest upgrade as compared to the flagship iPad Air 2. The Retina iPad mini 2 is rumored to include only a Touch ID fingerprint sensor and the A8 processor, as compared to the iPad Air 2, which may ship with a more powerful A8X processor, 2GB of RAM, Touch ID, a new gold color option, and more.

Apple is holding its press event this Thursday, October 16 at 10:00 AM PT on its Cupertino campus. Besides a new iPad Air and Retina iPad mini 2, the company also is expected to introduce new iMacs as well as unveil the launch date for the final version of OS X Yosemite.

Related Roundups: iPad mini 5, iPad
Tag: macotakara.jp
Buyer's Guide: iPad Mini (Buy Now), iPad (Don't Buy)
[ 127 comments ]


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bpeeps
61 months ago
I miss the days when their releases were more spread out. iPad in March, iPhone in summer/fall. New Macs popping up throughout the year. Now it seems like everything is squished into the holiday period.
Rating: 19 Votes
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adammull
61 months ago


Apple may evaluate the Mini one more year before ditching it in near future...1-2 years from now...probably.



Is this a joke? The iPad Mini is the best thing they make. And yes I've had a full size iPad and I have an iPhone 6.

I won't buy another full size iPad and I don't think I'm the only one.
Rating: 10 Votes
Avatar
saving107
61 months ago
Early reports suggested that the iPhone 6 Plus would come months after the iPhone 6, yet both launched simultaneously.

It's all a guessing game.

Most articles now-a-days:

Apple may or may not do something at some point regarding a product and it may launch at some point in the future, maybe, if it doesn't get released than its been delayed for some amount of time.
Rating: 8 Votes
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PowerBook-G5
61 months ago

How long until someone moans "New smart cover colours don't count as innovation, Apple"?


"Best product pipeline in years"

"Can't innovate anymore, my ass!"
Rating: 7 Votes
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satchmo
61 months ago
Wow, Eddy Cue wasn't joking when he said,
'Later this year, we’ve got the best product pipeline that I’ve seen at Apple in my 25 years at Apple."
(sarcasm).

Sure, yearly speed bumps are fine, but when you make a statement like this, and I expect more. I would love to be wrong.
Rating: 7 Votes
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Aluminum213
61 months ago
Apple is making a big mistake of the mini isn't spec for spec the same as the iPad air

I really liked that the mini and air were the same spec wise
Rating: 7 Votes
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Kariya
61 months ago
2GB of RAM and higher gamut screen for the mini please. Thanks.
Rating: 7 Votes
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goobot
61 months ago
Didn't Ming-Chi Kuo say the 6+ would come out in October or November? The guy obviously has no idea what he is taking about. Why even mention him?
Rating: 6 Votes
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Trahearne
61 months ago
I can't understand why people give a like on the "limiting split screen multitasking to Air" idea, when the campagin Apple made for iPad mini was "full iPad experience in a smaller form factor". I certainly hope iPad mini has it too, if any.

:|
Rating: 6 Votes
Avatar
Rogifan
61 months ago

Agreed. This Fall-heavy line up is brutal on the wallet and speaking for myself only, I think it stretches Apple way too thin in pushing to release so many different items within the same timeframe.

I hope Apple will reconsider this release plan going forward.

Nice that there iPad Minis too, hopefully the screen/gamut will be a little better this year.


Hopefully the Watch is a sign that Apple will start moving some stuff to the spring. Going 9 months with next to no product updates and then updating a bunch of stuff the span of a month is ridiculous.
Rating: 5 Votes

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