Apple is likely to release the Retina iPad mini in the third or fourth quarter of 2013, says an analyst who analyzes the Cupertino company's supply chain info to make his guesses.
The Retina display, one of Apple's more unique features, has high enough pixel density that a human eye can't distinguish pixelation. The new iPad mini will feature a Retina screen with a 2048 x 1536 resolution, according to DisplaySearch analyst Paul Semenza, CNET reported. The resolution would be identical to the 9.7-inch iPad with Retina display.
The smaller iPad's pixel density, at 324 ppi, would be higher than that of the regular iPad.
LG is the likely vendor to make the retina screens along with Japan Display, AU Optronics and Sharp, according to Semenza.
LG displays have been known to burn-in or ghost, and even prompted one customer to file a federal class-action lawsuit against Apple.
The addition of the Retina display to the iPad mini may increase its weight and price. Originally rumored to be releasing next month without the high-resolution display, it looks like we won't see it until later this year. As far as price is concerned, Apple may pass the higher cost of the Retina displays on to consumers. The display are thought to cost $12 dollars more than the currently used screens, and would raise the price of the devices to roughly $400 apiece for the most basic model.
The next generation of MacBook Air may also get Retina displays when they are released in the third quarter, according to Gizmag. Both the 11-inch and the 13-inch will be available with the the high-resolution screens. Apple has offered Retina displays beginning with the iPhone 4 and the screens can be currently found in iPhone 4/4S, iPod Touch fourth generation, iPhone 5 and iPod Touch fifth generatinon, the iPad 3 and iPad 4 and the MacBook Pro lines.
