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Buying a Retina iPad mini this year might be a bad idea

Updated May 6th, 2013 12:53PM EDT
iPad Mini 2 Release Date

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Apple is widely expected to launch an updated version of its iPad mini tablet later this year with a new Retina display, but consumers waiting for the refreshed tablet might want to skip the second-generation model and wait a bit longer. NPD DisplaySearch analyst Richard Shim on Sunday told CNET that Apple’s next-generation iPad mini tablet with a Retina display is on track for a third-quarter launch this year. But just as Apple’s third- and fourth-generation full-size iPad launches were surprisingly close to one another, Apple reportedly already has plans to launch another new iPad mini in the first-quarter next year with a faster processor.

“We see two refreshes coming. One in the second half of this year, then one in Q1 of 2014,” Shim said. “The Q1 device will have a Retina display plus an updated processor.”

Last year, Apple launched an updated fourth-generation iPad tablet in October just six months after debuting the third-generation iPad model. While the two releases were surprisingly close to each other considering Apple’s typical annual launch schedule for mobile devices, the fourth-generation upgrade made some sense — the new tablet’s launch came around the same time as the iPhone 5 and added Apple’s new dock connector to maintain continuity between the two device lines.

Apple’s full-size fifth-generation iPad tablet is expected to launch this fall as well, and it will likely feature a major redesign.

Zach Epstein
Zach Epstein Executive Editor

Zach Epstein has been the Executive Editor at BGR for more than 10 years. He manages BGR’s editorial team and ensures that best practices are adhered to. He also oversees the Ecommerce team and directs the daily flow of all content. Zach first joined BGR in 2007 as a Staff Writer covering business, technology, and entertainment.

His work has been quoted by countless top news organizations, and he was recently named one of the world's top 10 “power mobile influencers” by Forbes. Prior to BGR, Zach worked as an executive in marketing and business development with two private telcos.