iPad 5 and iPad Mini 2 to Feature A7X Chip, Launch in Q4?

KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports that Apple will launch the iPad 5 and iPad mini 2 in Q4, 2013, both of which will likely use an A7X processor.

Kuo believes that Apple was planning the Retina iPad mini for 2014; however, due to increased competition it accelerated its timetable for the device.

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Since iPad mini 2 will feature better resolution with retina display, we think its AP will have the same grade as iPad 5 - the A7X.


But we now believe that iPad mini 2 may be pulled in for launching in late 2013. Since other brand vendors are all expected to have a line-up of new high resolution 7-8” tablets to launch over the next 3-6 months, we think iPad mini 2 may lose its opportunity in the market if it is slated for introduction next year.

Despite minimal form factor differentiation and unchanged casing colors, we think the retina display will still boost iPad mini 2’s attractiveness. Although the model’s availability is small due to production issues, if iPad mini 2 gets an introduction and launch this year, it should be able to impact consumers and freeze their budget for other brand vendors’ tablets.
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Notably, Kuo expects Apple to launch an A6 version of the non-Retina display iPad in 2014. This would allow the company to offer a lower cost iPad mini line alongside the Retina A7X model.

Finally, the new iPad 5 is said to support TDD-LTE technology enabling it on China Mobile's network.


Take a look at the chart below for manufacturing schedule predictions.

[via MacRumors]