LG Shipments Indicate Retina iPad Mini Could Arrive As Early As October

Over the past couple of months, there have been multiple reports indicating that Apple may be delaying its rumored Retina iPad mini until early 2014, with Taiwan's Economic Daily News citing Retina panel shortages as the primary reason.

DigiTimes now reports that LG Display has made some progress with its production of iPad mini Retina panels and is expected to ship them later this year.

The sources also added that LG is reportedly making new headway in producing Retina panel technology for use in the next-generation iPad mini, and expects to ship about 2-3 million units a month in preparation for Apple's expected October release date

The new claims are in stark contrast to a DigiTimes' report from earlier this week, which stated that an upgraded Mini would ship in late 2013, while the Retina iPad mini would not ship until 2014. NPD DisplaySearch analysts have also published similar reports suggesting two separate Mini refreshes, but have flip-flopped multiple times over the tablet's release date. While it's unclear which reports are true, it's clear that Apple will ship a Retina iPad mini at some point in the future.

Apple's next generation iPad mini is expected to feature an "almost bezel-free" design, along with processor upgrades and a lighter, thinner design.

Digitimes' report also reiterates that the upcoming fifth generation iPad will be lighter, smaller and more powerful. Previous reports have claimed that the tablet, which is expected to be released sometime in the fall, will have a more iPad mini-like design.