iPad mini 2 with Retina display and slimmer iPad 5 rumours strengthen
New rumours are providing further support for the inclusion of a Retina display in the iPad mini 2 and a slimmer, thinner form factor for the iPad 5.
Offering more support for the iPad 5 (now known as the iPad Air) and iPad mini 2 rumours doing the rounds for months now, the Wall Street Journal has further evidence the next 7.9-inch tablet will pack a Retina display.
Supply chain sources for Apple’s iPad range have reported the iPad mini 2 will pack a Retina display when it is unveiled at Apple’s dedicated iPad event tomorrow, October 22.
The sources also suggest the iPad 5 will be a thinner, lighter 9.7-inch tablet than the existing iPad 4. This supports previous rumours and case leaks that tip the iPad 5 to offer the same slimmer bezel design as the iPad mini.
What’s interesting though is that the company’s parts suppliers are saying the iPad 5 will have use a “thin film” screen rather than the glass found in all previous iterations. This could mean that the iPad 5 has a flexible, plastic screen to make the display unbreakable and more durable.
Many rumours in the last couple of months have suggested Apple is having supply chain difficulties with the iPad mini 2 Retina display, so the device may have the same resolution screen as the current version.
However, we’ll soon find out the specs for the iPad mini 2 as Apple has already confirmed an October 22 launch date for its duo of new tablets.
Building on the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C launch last month, tomorrow’s event should bring with it two new iPads, the new Mac Pro and potentially a new iPod range as well.
The event invites were issued last week bearing a tagline of “we still have a lot to cover” and will kick off at 6pm BST tomorrow.
Next, read our roundup of the best tablets of 2013.