Purported iPad mini delayed due to weak yield rates of Retina Display

The Apple iPad mini is a device that can now be compared to the Loch Ness monster or a yeti. Its existence has been indicated by a host of leaks and rumours, but there is no official word on it. Digitimes now claims that its sources have informed it that this tablet is delayed due to weak yield rates of the Retina Display. We had earlier reported that the iPad mini had been hit by production snags.

As per the report, the authors Aaron Lee and Joseph Tsai state, “Shipments of Apple's new products – a Retina Display 13-inch MacBook Pro, 7.85-inch iPad and iMac – have reportedly been delayed from September to October and with the year-end holidays approaching, the upstream supply chain is aggressively preparing for expected strong orders in both October and November, according to sources from the upstream supply chain. The shipment delay is said to have been caused by weak yields of the Retina Display, the sources noted. Apple's new small-size iPad (iPad Mini), which is manufactured by Foxconn Electronics (Hon Hai Precision Industry) and Pegatron Technology, a reportedly suffering low yields for components such as the display and chassis, causing the upstream suppliers to be unable to satisfy Apple's orders.”

iPad mini images courtesy of Sonny Dickson

Commenting on the rear casing of the 7.85-inch iPad mini, Digitimes informs that though the chassis of the iPad mini is similar to that of the iPad, the design and tactile feel will be different.

Apple has never formally announced the iPad mini; even the name of the device has been coined to indicate it is merely a small tablet. There are no prior models to speak of. Apple has a track record of not commenting on its products before the official release. The iPad mini does not exist officially; so talk of its 'delay' is a little misplaced.

Leaks in the past have indicated that an iPad mini was in the works. But going by the leaked content, the devices in question could be classified as prototypes. Brands tend to manufacture prototypes of devices for testing purposes before officially finalising on them, and the leaks could well justify this fact.

On the bright side, introducing the iPad mini would be a boon for Apple as other brands keep eating into its market share, the most prominent competitors being the Nexus 7 and Amazon’s Kindle Fire.

Rumours had indicated that Apple would send invites on October 11 for an event to be held a week later to showcase the iPad mini. However, this turned out to be untrue.