Apple's iPad mini 2 may well feature a Retina display after all, but supplies will be severely limited if so according to a recent report.
Experts have been undecided over whether the second iPad mini tablet will feature an upgraded high definition display or not, and a new report seems to suggest why.
According to Reuters, Apple is struggling to get sufficient 7.9-inch Retina displays manufactured in time for the iPad mini 2's likely launch later this month.
The report cites "people who work in the company's supply chain" as claiming that "Apple's supply chain is only now gearing up to make retina displays for the iPad mini (2)."
As a result, it's claimed that there will not be anywhere near sufficient numbers of the device come launch day, and the company will fail to capitalise on the Christmas rush.
The reasons behind the late start of this manufacturing process are unclear, but one source claims that there have been delays in Apple's certification of display panel producers. It's said that Apple has laid out "strict power-saving requirements" for the new component.
Considering the time it inevitably takes to ramp up production of a new screen, it's estimated that a Retina display-equipped iPad mini 2 would not be available in large quantity until some time early next year.
Apple's options are either to wait until 2014 to launch the new compact tablet, or to release it before Christmas in extremely limited numbers.
It seems as if Apple is also looking to make the iPad mini line more affordable, with suppliers told to reduce costs and an 8GB model rumoured to be on the cards.
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