Analyst predicts: no iPad Mini Retina this year, it will be released in 2014

DisplaySearch analyst Richard Shim has issued a note predicting that the new iPad mini will not feature the Retina display many are expecting.

Apple is expected to refresh its iPad mini in the second half of the year. The new iPad mini will continue to use a 7.9-inch display with a 1024×768 resolution, but it will use the iOS 7 operating system and an A6 processor, in a slimmer design than the current generation. Another iPad mini is also planned for production but not until early 2014. That device is expected to feature a QXGA (2048×1536) resolution display and the iOS 7 operating system.

On the larger tablet PC front, Apple is expected to release a new iPad in the third quarter featuring a 9.7-inch 2048×1536 panel, an A7 processor and iOS 7. Apple’s mix of tablet PC shipments is projected to be 60% iPad mini and 40% iPad in 2013.

This report conflicts with recent ones from other sources. The Electronic Times says Samsung has been tapped to produce a Retina display for the iPad mini which will be released in Q3. Another report from Mobileaks claims we will see a Retina display iPad mini with an edge-to-edge screen.