Monday Apple Rumors: Two Retina iPad Mini Models Coming

by Christopher Freeburn | May 6, 2013 12:37 pm

[1][2]Here are your Apple rumors[3] and AAPL news items for today:

Double Vision: Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL[4]) will release a Retina iPad Mini in the third quarter of this year and a second Retina iPad Mini in early 2014[5], AppleInsider notes. The prediction comes from NPD DisplaySearch analyst Richard Shim, who argues that a slightly updated iPad Mini featuring a high-resolution screen will be released this fall. That will be followed by a third-generation iPad Mini in the first quarter of next year. The third-generation model will offer a faster microprocessor. While the timing between the second and third generation iPads would be short, Apple made a similar move last year when it released a modestly updated fourth-generation standard-sized iPad just six month after debuting the third generation model. Apple has been widely expected to unveil a Retina screen iPad Mini some time this year. Recent rumors indicated that the device was experiencing delays due to production problems with its high-resolution screen.

Too Harsh: The financial terms Apple demands from the wireless carriers it partners with may be costing the company a huge number of overseas sales[6], Bloomberg notes. Wireless carriers in emerging markets, particularly Asia, have resisted the high subsidies for iPhones that Apple requires. That has limited Apple’s expansion and sales in those markets, putting Apple out of competition for as many as 2.8 billion potential customers. Apple has added fewer than a dozen new wireless providers since 2011. It has deals with about 240 wireless carriers worldwide. By contrast, Samsung, which doesn’t make similar demands, has deals with nearly all of the 800 carriers around the world. Holdouts to Apple include China Mobile (NYSE:CHL[7]), the world’s largest wireless carrier and Japan’s NTT DoCoMo (NYSE:DCM[8]).

Slipping: Accessory makers are beginning to look beyond the iPhone and iPod when making accessories that interact with smartphones and mobile devices[9], the New York Times notes. Devices that connect with Apple products can be found in hotels and electronics stores. However, the strict standards Apple requires have forced some accessory makers to switch to building connections for devices from rivals. Apple’s move away from its traditional 30-pin connector to a new 8-pin Lightning connector with the iPhone 5 and recent iPads caused disruptions for it manufacturing partners and consumers, prompting many to consider alternatives. Consumers are also increasingly looking for accessories to connect to multiple devices as non-Apple products rise in popularity.

For more about the company, check out our previous Apple Rumors[10] stories.

Source URL: https://investorplace.com/2013/05/monday-apple-rumors-two-retina-ipad-mini-models-coming/

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