Apple's iPad mini may be a new addition to the iPad family, but that hasn't stopped the web from buzzing about a second-generation version of the iPad mini that is expected to arrive in 2013. Here, we'll bring you everything we know about Apple's new iPad mini 2, including the release date, spec rumours and leaked photographs. Updated 8 Jan 2013
We will continue to update this story as we uncover more evidence and speculation about Apple's iPad mini 2.
WATCH: UK iPad mini launch, lacklustre?
New iPad mini 2 release date
The iPad mini was unveiled by Apple in October and hit the shelves on 2 November. It's expected that a second version of the new tiny tablet will be released in 2013, with some estimating a March/April release, and others predicting an October release to start an annual upgrade schedule.
With rumours of a new biannual product cycle for Apple, the iPad mini 2 release date could be as soon as spring, and RBC Capital Markets analyst Doug Freedman has said that Apple's new iPad mini 2 is getting 'pulled in' by Apple, readying for mass production. Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster has predicted that the iPad mini 2 could be released in March, alongside a new iRadio service.
Topeka Capitals analyst Brian White has also predicted that the iPad mini 2 will arrive in March, alongside Apple's iPad 5.
SEE: Apple rumour round-up: iPhone 6, Apple Television, new MacBooks, iPad mini 2, iOS 7
iPad mini 2 with Retina display rumours
Within days of the iPad mini's launch date, sources from the supply chain in China said that iPad mini display maker AUO is working on a 2,048 by 1,536 pixel resolution display for a future iPad mini, bringing the pixel density up to Retina standard, giving the device more pixels per inch than the iPad 4 and iPad 3. Looks like all those Apple fans clamouring for a Retina iPad mini 2 are going to get their wish this year.
A second source from China has claimed that Apple will be adding a third panel supplier for its second-generation iPad mini, and that the company is already testing new Retina panels for the device.
Whether or not these sources is legitimate, it is widely expected that Apple will introduce a Retina display iPad mini in the near future. The first iPad mini has received rave reviews, but the downfall mentioned in by most experts is the device's 1024 by 768 pixel non-Retina display.
The full size iPad has had a Retina display for the two most recent generations, the iPhone has a Retina display, and Apple has even introduced the new MacBook Pro with Retina display, so a resolution boost is the natural progression for the iPad mini.
More iPad mini 2 rumours
Corning has developed a new version of its Gorilla Glass that it says will result in 40 per cent fewer scratches and appear in devices later this year, probably including the iPad mini 2, as well as the iPhone 6 and iPad 5.
The iPad mini 2 could also have a new 'touch-on' display after problems with the in-cell display used for the iPhone 5 allegedly forced Apple to look elsewhere for a touchscreen solution.
It is also thought that Apple could be testing an A5XR2 chip in the Apple TV set-top-box ahead of its deployment in a Retina iPad mini, according to AnanTech.
How much will the iPad mini 2 cost?
The iPad mini is currently priced starting at £269. A Retina display could add to the cost of the tablet, which is already higher than many 7in competitors such as the Amazon Kindle Fire HD and the Google Nexus 7.
It's possible that Apple will introduce a more expensive Retina iPad mini while keeping the cheaper, non-Retina mini on sale alongside it for those that prefer to save money rather than invest in a better display.
iPad mini 2 leaked images
There are no leaked images or mockups of the second-generation iPad mini just yet, but we will share them with you here as soon as we see some.
SEE: Apple and the future of design
See also:
iPad mini vs Nexus 7 vs Kindle Fire HD displays tested to the limits
Analysts and investors react positively to iPad mini sales
iPad mini cases, covers and accessories
Apple sells 3 million of is new iPad models within first weekend
iPad mini teardown reveals 43 per cent gross profit margin for Apple
iPad mini vs iPad 4 benchmark tests
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Comments received
ari-boy said on Thu, 08 Nov 2012
This has the to be most pointless article yet by MacWorld.
MacOS10 said on Thu, 08 Nov 2012
WTF?!!!
Give it a rest MW, the iPad mini has only just been released last week!! Jesus, haven't you got anything better to do than pointlessly predicting something that in all likelihood won't arrive until autumn 2013?
Dragonfly said on Tue, 08 Jan 2013
Macworld Staff = Nobody wants to put their name to it :-)
It is quite possible there will be an A6X iPad mini Retina version alongside the non Retina version A5 model, but I doubt it'll replace it. Possibly they'll do an A5, non-Retina version of the current iPad 4 too, to replace the iPad 2. Tidying up their product grid a little and giving all their models lightning ports.
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