Apple iPad mini with Retina display rumored to launch after Google Nexus 7 Refresh

Even though Apple CEO Tim Cook has warned analysts not to use supply chain information to make predictions, NPD DisplaySearch analyst Paul Semenza used such info to say on Friday that Apple will be releasing a version of the Apple iPad mini with Retina display in the third of fourth quarter of this year. The display on the 7.9 inch tablet has been its Achilles heel with consumers not happy about the lack of clarity on the glass. At 1024 x 768 pixels, the resolution on the screen works out a pixel density of 162ppi. That compares with the 2048 x 1536 resolution on the panel of the fourth generation Apple iPad. The 264ppi pixel density on that tablet, although under the 300ppi considered to be a Retina display by Apple, still qualifies as such by the Cupertino based manufacturer because tablets are not held up as close to the eyes as smartphones are. Look, Apple coined the term and can decide when they want to use it, and who is to say that they are not right with this explanation?

According to NPD DisplaySearch analyst Paul Semenza, the Apple iPad mini 2 will have a display with a resolution of 2048 x 1536 which works out to a pixel density of 324ppi, nearly double the ppi on the current iPad mini. In the running to make the new display are a number of well-known display manufacturers like LG Display, AUO, Japan Display and possibly even Sharp. Those waiting for this tablet to come to market might have to be a little patient. According to the analyst, a Refresh version of the Google Nexus 7 will hit the market first before the Apple iPad mini 2.