Apple to Introduce Low Cost iPad Mini, No Retina Display Model Until Fall?

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports that issues with manufacturing a Retina Display iPad mini will push its production to around October; however, he suggests Apple could release a low-cost iPad mini in the meanwhile.

In a report obtained by AppleInsider, Kuo notes that a more affordable iPad mini would help boost sales and fend off competitors until the company was ready with its Retina Display iPad mini. The tablet would reportedly be priced between $199 and $249.

In his eyes, Apple could take a number of approaches to reducing the cost of building an iPad mini. His proposed options include removing the rear camera, reducing internal storage to 8 gigabytes, simplifying production of the metal casing, or using a more advanced process to build the A5 processor.


Apple is also said to be preparing a fifth generation iPad with a redesigned frame similar to the iPad mini; however, it's not believed that this will provide Apple with a significant boost in sales.

"We think Apple will stay competitive in the tablet market over the long term as it releases new and exciting products," he said. "But with product launches pushed back and competition getting fiercer, Apple and the iPad supply chain will have to wait until (the fourth quarter of calendar 2013) for significant growth."

Earlier today Kuo also predicted that Apple would update its MacBook Pros and MacBook Airs at WWDC.

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