iPad mini may be delayed due to scratch prone black casing

When the Apple iPad mini is unveiled, it is expected to be available in two colour options. This will follow the trend of the recently launched iPhone and is believed to be launched in an aluminium and white finish and a slate and black version. Ever since the iPhone 5 was launched, many users have spoken about the fact that the black version of the smartphone was extremely susceptible to scratches;  this case was not present with the white option. As mentioned earlier, it is believed that the yet to be announced iPad mini will come in these two finishes and a recent report by Digitimes indicates that since the black casing is easily prone to scratches, there may be a delay in the yield rates.

As per the report, the authors Aaron Lee and Ninelu Tu said, “Along with the latest market rumors indicating that Apple is likely to unveil the much speculated iPad mini on October 17, sources in Apple's supply chain in Taiwan are also indicating that shipments of the iPad mini tablets are not smooth at the moment due to low yield rates at chassis makers. Case makers Foxconn Electronics, Catcher Technology and Ri-Teng Computer Accessory are responsible for production of the iPad mini chassis, the sources indicated. Ri-Teng is an associate company of Pegatron. Catcher declined to comment on market reports, but stated that its capacity utilization rates as well as yield rates for various products all meet its product roadmap.”

iPad mini may face delays

The report goes on to add that the iPad mini will come in a native and black coloured aluminium chassis and that they are more vulnerable to scratches, as per the website’s sources. The report states that the sources state that the anodised finish process on the black casing is more critical and hence, will result in lower yield rates.

In the past, Apple has had an outstanding track record of delivering quality hardware that could handle the wear and tear of daily use. But as with the case of the iPhone 5 and the model with the black casing, it appears that it has fallen short as it scratches far too easily than anyone can hope for. It now appears that Apple is ensuring that this case does not happen with the iPad mini as well.

Over the past few months, there have been rumours surrounding the unannounced iPad mini. The device was said to be under production in a factory in Brazil. As per an exclusive report by UkranianiPhone.com, the website has received photos of the outer casing of the diminutive tablet, giving us a glimpse of what it may look like.

A related report by Gizmodo states that this is the first time that the black variant of the iPad mini has been captured on camera, and that these images were supposedly taken by a source who is close to the Apple production line in China. The report highlights that the cases match with a previous leak about the iPad mini's parts, which portrayed two dock connectors, one in white and the other in black.

The report states, “Like the iPad, the stereo mini jack Mini Jack placement seems to be at the top (1). There's a plastic cover for the Wi-Fi antenna (2) and the dock Lightning connector is at the bottom (4). It also shows a NanoSim tray (3), which is the first evidence of 3G support in the iPad mini. The material of the back panel is just like the iPhone 5: anodized aluminum. Given the leaks of the iPhone 5, the rumored imminent announcement and the appearance of these shots, it seems like this is the real thing.”