14 DAY TRIAL // High on the heels of a recent report saying Apple has delayed the launch of its Retina-enabled iPad mini, DigiTimes has new information from Taiwanese supply chain sources regarding an almost “bezel-free” tablet from Apple.
The short-term plan in Cupertino is to release a revised version of the diminutive tablet computer this fall, according to the report.
The revision will include a thinner and lighter chassis, enhanced internals (such as a more powerful processor), and a standard-resolution display (1024x768), industry sources say.
On the long term, Apple plans to introduce a Retina-capable version of the iPad mini in 2014. The DigiTimes report doesn’t say why, but an older report from China revealed last week that panel suppliers were falling behind schedule.
What it does say is that this third-generation iPad mini will not only have a Retina display, but will also be redesigned to the point that the tablet will no longer have a screen bezel, “to allow a bigger viewing area.”
According to the sources in question, Apple’s redesigned iPad mini will boast “an almost bezel-free look.”
The new iPad mini “…may not be availabe [sic] during the year-end shopping season,” the sources say.
Customers have been craving for a Retina-enabled iPad mini for quite some time now.
If the update planned for fall skips the Retina specification, there’s a good chance not many customers will flock to grab one, even though it might be more powerful in terms of processing power.
Apple is believed to have planned a special event this fall to introduce the next-generation iPhone alongside a range of other products meant to give Apple some of its oomph back.
However, with so many products reportedly getting delayed until 2014 (including the iWatch), we fear Apple’s stock will hit a new low this fall.