'Almost Bezel-Free' Redesign for iPad Mini Coming, but Still No Retina Until Early 2014?

In the wake of continuing reports suggesting that Apple's Retina iPad mini may not be ready to launch until early next year, Digitimes has now added its thoughts on the matter, claiming that Apple will be releasing a slightly redesigned non-Retina iPad mini later this year before launching the Retina iPad mini early next year.

ipad_mini_promo
According to the report, the Retina iPad mini will see an "almost bezel-free" design, presumably referring to the sides of the device, which are already fairly narrow. The report is somewhat confusing about just what aspects of the redesign will appear when, also mentioning a lighter and thinner design for the new non-Retina model later this year.

Apple is reportedly aiming to use Retina panel technology equipped with 2,048 by 1,536 resolution in the next generation 7.9-inch iPad mini. Apple is also said to be revising the design of the chassis to give the next-generation iPad mini an almost bezel-free look.

While the new iPad mini may not be availabe during the year-end shopping season, Apple reportedly may first release a slightly updated version of the current iPad mini in the second half of 2013, which is expected to be lighter, thinner and equipped with improved specifications, the sources said.

Digitimes' report is very similar to claims from NPD DisplaySearch analysts, who have flip-flopped several times but now point to a thinner non-Retina iPad mini arriving later this year and a Retina iPad mini following in early 2014.

Today's report also reiterates claims that Apple's fifth-generation iPad is on its way with a thinner and lighter design inspired by the iPad mini. Apple's supply chain is reportedly beginning small-scale production on the new iPad this month, ramping up through October.

Related Roundup: iPad mini
Buyer's Guide: iPad Mini (Caution)
Related Forum: iPad

Popular Stories

Aston Martin CarPlay Ultra Screen

Apple's CarPlay Ultra to Expand to These Vehicle Brands Later This Year

Sunday February 1, 2026 10:08 am PST by
Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly nine months later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon. In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. In his Powe...
Apple Logo Black

Apple's Next Launch is 'Imminent'

Sunday February 1, 2026 12:31 pm PST by
The calendar has turned to February, and a new report indicates that Apple's next product launch is "imminent," in the form of new MacBook Pro models. "All signs point to an imminent launch of next-generation MacBook Pros that retain the current form factor but deliver faster chips," Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said on Sunday. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated...
Apple MacBook Pro M4 hero

New MacBook Pros Reportedly Launching Alongside macOS 26.3

Sunday February 1, 2026 5:42 am PST by
Apple is planning to launch new MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips alongside macOS 26.3, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "Apple's faster MacBook Pros are planned for the macOS 26.3 release cycle," wrote Gurman, in his Power On newsletter today. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated for the macOS 26.3 software cycle, which runs from...
iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
We are still waiting for the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate to come out, so the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week or two away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
14 inch MacBook Pro Keyboard

Apple Changes How You Order a Mac

Saturday January 31, 2026 10:51 am PST by
Apple recently updated its online store with a new ordering process for Macs, including the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro. There used to be a handful of standard configurations available for each Mac, but now you must configure a Mac entirely from scratch on a feature-by-feature basis. In other words, ordering a new Mac now works much like ordering an...

Top Rated Comments

pmz Avatar
164 months ago
Of course they're not adding Retina to iPad mini this year. That would make absolutely no sense.

Apple wants to actually sell their new flagship, redesigned, drool-worthy iPad 5.

iPad mini will get spec-bumped along the iPad 5 release, but thats it.

Not that it makes any difference. 99% of iPad mini buyers are buying based on 1) Price, 2) Size. Most of them have no idea what 'Retina Display' even refers to.

That's not an insult, it is a market reality. As much as I personally would like a 7" Retina iPad....makes no difference.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Menopause Avatar
164 months ago
I would very much like an "almost bezel-free" 9.7" Retina iPad.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CooKieMoNs7eR Avatar
164 months ago
No retina, no buy, simple as that.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Rogifan Avatar
164 months ago
This makes no sense to me. Why release an updated iPad mini in the fall if a new one will be coming out in early 2014? Unless Apple is moving to 6 month product cycles?
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jadot Avatar
164 months ago
I'll keep my current mini until the retina comes. Personally I don't have reason to buy into a new form factor.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Sandstorm Avatar
164 months ago
Personally I don't need or want any sort of mini iPad. My current iPad 4 is mainly a couch device at home. Outside I'm satisfied with iPhone 5.

As my next iPad I'd actually rather buy a 12" version (Apple can leave the 2048x1536 resolution, PPI will still be very good). Why couldn't Apple have 3 sizes? 8", 10" and 12" (all 3 with the same 2048-by-1536 resolution, not to complicate apps).
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)