iPad Mini 2 may not have Retina display, if iOS 7 code proves accurate

Posted on 1 Aug 2013 at 10:10, by Gareth Halfacree

Code found in Apple's most recent iOS 7 software release suggests that the company may be looking to release an interim iPad Miniupgrade which does not include the Retina display of the rumoured iPad Mini 2.

Following the success of the original iPad Mini, which has become one of the company's best-selling devices, Apple is rumoured to be working on a sequel for release later this year. According to supply chain sources, the iPad Mini 2 is set to include a more powerful processor, slimmer design and a Retina display similar to that of the iPad 4.

According to code found in the latest iOS 7 SDK by 9to5Mac, the company may actually be planning an interim release which upgrades the processor but retains the lower-resolution display of its predecessor.

The site suggests that references to three new iPad Mini models in the development kit point to a Wi-Fi model and two with mobile broadband, but that none of the three include the settings required for a high-resolution retina display. The code does, however, point to an A6 processor, the same chip found in theiPhone 5, giving the replacement iPad Mini a performance boost.

With other sources still saying Apple is planning a retina-class iPad Mini, it's hard to see where the three new devices would sit in the company's line-up, although it's possible that Apple will replace the original iPad Mini with the more powerful A6-equipped version while also launching an iPad Mini 2 with retina display to be sold at a premium.

Apple has, as is usual for the company, refused to comment on the code or its implications.

Source: expert reviews