The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Apple will be going to Samsung to get components for a Retina Display version of the iPad mini later this year. Sharp and LG will also be supplying screens. Apple is also reported to be considering back plates for the mini in various colors, ala the iPod touch.
The Wall Street Journal, via 9to5Mac:
TAIPEI—Apple Inc.’s AAPL -0.17% suppliers are gearing up for mass production of a new iPad mini in the fourth quarter that will likely feature a high-resolution screen from Samsung, 005930.SE +0.08% people familiar with the matter say, an indication of the difficulty the U.S. company faces in its attempt to reduce its dependence on its biggest rival. Apple is working with suppliers in Asia on its next iPad mini with a high-resolution “retina” display, unlike the current iPad mini that comes with a lower-resolution screen, the people said. The size of the new tablet will likely be the same as the current 7.9-inch model, which was released in November last year. Apple has also been contemplating multiple color back covers for the new tablet, they said.
The newspaper reports that Apple had planned to use just Sharp and LG as sources for the displays, but added Samsung to the mix to ensure a steady supply stream. There is no mention of a potential release date.
The paper also speculates that Apple is more likely to add the Retina display to the mini following Google’s announcement of the new high-resolution Nexus 7.
