The iPad Mini with Retina display was released last week. Oh - you didn't know? As it turns out, there's a reason. There are a number of ways that Apple's release of the iPad Mini Retina has been quieter than the usual exciting announcement. Unlike the hype around the iPhone 5c or even iOS 7, the iPad Mini Retina was released mid-week and without much to-do about the product.
The iPad Mini Retina
The second generation of the iPad Mini comes with Retina display, which means that this tablet has unbelievably high resolution for vibrant photo viewing and video streaming - higher than an HDTV, according to Apple. The iPad Mini Retina delivers the quality you've probably come to expect from Apple: a substantial battery life, excellent Wi-Fi capabilities, and apps built just for the device.
An Online-Only Release
On Tuesday, November 12th, the iPad Mini Retina was released for sale on Apple's online store - but was not released in stores. This means if you want to get your hands on one, you'll have to go online. The Apple website, however, has all the specs and graphics you would expect. The issue with this new tablet is simply the lack of hype.
Why All the Secrecy?
The issue here is if you want to get your hands on an iPad Mini Retina, you're going to have to do it pretty quickly. This is because of hints that the new iPad may just be in shorter supply than expected for the moment, and Apple is trying to make sure that supply meets demand. Sources in the Apple supply chains say that there were problems with quality panels during the review stage of production, leading to high rejection rates.
The iPad Mini with Retina is expected to hit retail stores later this month - in time for the holiday season - and hopefully once there are a few more to go around, Apple will decide to bring the new tablet out of hiding.
What do you think of Apple's decision not to announce the iPad Mini with Retina?