For months, conflicting reports have surfaced regarding whether or not Apple (AAPL +0.96%) will be able to launch a Retina iPad Mini this year. Some sources have said manufacturing yields remain low, but others believe that Apple will push ahead and launch this year even if supply is constrained.
The most recent rumor is a Reuters report that corroborates the latter theory. Full manufacturing capacity isn't expected until early next year, but Apple may still launch the device this year in order to take advantage of the busy holiday shopping season.
Rival devices like Google's Nexus 7 and Amazon.com's Kindle Fires have been updated with high-resolution displays, which will put competitive pressure on Apple. On the other hand, Apple is also the most capable of shifting the basis of competition away from pure specs. The company could potentially use other features like Touch ID or ecosystem strength to sell the device if it doesn't get a Retina display.
In this segment from today's episode of Tech Teardown, Erin Kennedy discusses the possibility of a Retina iPad Mini with Evan Niu, CFA.
