A release date for the iPad Mini 2 appears distant if demand for the original 7.9-inch tablet doesn't ease.
According to CNYes, Apple has not seen a drop in demand of the original iPad Mini since the tablet made its debut last October. The Cupertino-based company is apparently waiting until sales slow down before announcing the iPad Mini 2.
The report noted that it estimates the iPad Mini 2 will eventually make its debut at about the same time frame as the original iPad Mini. Lastly, CNYes believes the fifth-generation of the regular-sized iPad will debut with the iPad Mini 2.
An October release date will differ from early reports stating the next generation of the iPads would make their debut in April.
"Apple is not going to release iPads that costs more or don't get as good battery life as the current models," reported iMore's Rene Ritchie. "So, if the next iPad mini does end up getting slated for April, it could be a spec bump, or have something other than Retina as a differentiator. Hopefully we'll know more soon."
Further, CNYes stated significant cosmetic changes are unlikely even though it will gain Retina Display.
Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster stated he believes Apple could update the full-sized iPad to a similar body style to the iPad Mini.
"We believe that the iPad Mini could get a Retina Display, although that may happen later in the year given the supply constraints Apple faced on the Mini in the December quarter," Munster added.
Apple is reportedly set to ship 55 million iPad Mini units during 2013. According to NDP DisplaySearch, the iPad Mini's demand is eclipsing the 9.7-inch iPad. Initially, the regular-sized iPad was to sell 60 million units compared to the iPad Mini's 40 million units. NDP DisplaySearch believes the figures will reverse.
Overall, the tablet market is expected to sell 254 million units during 2013, up 94 million from the 160 million units sold in 2012.
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