Fri, 07 Jun 2013 iPad mini 2 release date, rumours and images

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 7 June 2013

We will continue to update this story as we uncover more evidence and speculation about Apple's iPad mini 2.

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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 an October release to start an annual upgrade schedule. Previously, it was thought that the iPad mini could be launched as early as April, but the month came and went without a special event from Apple.

In June, it was reported that Apple could be planning to begin mass production of the iPad 5 as soon as July in preparation for a third quarter launch, but may have pushed production of its iPad mini 2 to November.

It's widely believed that Apple will want to get the new iPad mini on the shelves before the Christmas shopping period, in order to maximise sales of the new tablet.

Earlier this year, it was reported that Apple cut its iPad mini shipments by up to 20 per cent in preparation for its launch in the third wuarter of the year.

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.

However, a report in February suggested that introducing a Retina display to the iPad mini could add 30 per cent to the overall cost of the tablet's components, potentially increasing the price for consumers.

SEE: Apple confident about iPad mini despite low margins

AND: Tim Cook reveals Apple is working on "amazing" new products in "exciting" new categories

AND: iPad sales collapse? iPad mini leads to changes in buying behaviour

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.

Alternatively, the iPad mini 2 could use the A6X processor that's found in the iPad 4, or an all-new A7 chip, also expected to make its way into the iPad 5. SEE: Retina iPad mini 'will feature new processor chip'

See: Should I buy an iPad mini or an iPad 4?

AND: Steve Wozniak: 'Apple is working on new products that will surprise and shock us all'

iPad mini 2 will run iOS 7

It is expected that the iPad mini 2 will run Apple's iOS 7, which will be unveiled at WWDC on 10 June. The new mobile operating system is rumoured to have undergone a complete redesign under the leadership of Jonny Ive, with a flatter, more minimalist style.

iOS 7 release date, rumours and leaked images

See: How much will Apple change iOS and OS X?

Two new iPad mini models could launch this year

In March, Citi analyst Glen Yeung suggested that Apple will launch two new models of iPad mini this year, a Retina version and a cheaper, non-retina version.

SEE: Cook: The only thing Apple won't release is a lousy product

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 of the second-generation iPad mini just yet, but we will share them with you here as soon as we see some.

In the meantime, you can take a look at these mockups created by designers from around the globe.

In May, a render of an iPad mini 2 was shared in a report that suggests the designer of the mockup based it on leaked specifications obtained from anonymous sources.

SEE: Apple and the future of design

AND: Forget iPad mini, Apple will launch an iPad Maxi next year

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

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

iPad mini vs iPad 3: Display comparison

iPad mini beats Nexus and iPad 3 in drop test