Apple planning iPad Mini with Retina display, lighter iPad 5?

Apple product refreshes come as no surprise, and the latest rumour surrounding the Cupertino firm’s recently released iPad Mini tablet is no different. Supply chain sources are now claiming that Apple are lining up the high-resolution Retina displays for inclusion in their iPad Mini tablets.

Suppliers of backlight components from Taiwan are the loose-lipped sources, stating that the second generation of diminutive slates will have a far high pixel density than the original device. Though not explicitly referring to the display as a “Retina” screen, the description given certainly fits with Apple’s high-res branding.

Many were a bit let down when the iPad Mini launched back at the end of October without Apple’s Retina displays packed in. And though Apple will likely claim this is down to manufacturing costs (which will have presumably dropped in order to facilitate this upgrade and retain the cheaper pricing which sets the iPad Mini apart), cynics will suggest that Apple intentionally held back the technology from the first generation model in order to have a headlining feature with which to sell the second generation.

The full-fat iPad is also getting a redesign if the sources are to be believed. The next generation model, tentatively called the iPad 5, will go on a bit of a diet, shedding some weight by only using one LED backlight bar instead of the standard two found in all previous generations of the tablet.

Via: Digitimes