iPad Mini 2 reportedly delayed by display glitch
A burn-in issue with the new Retina Display Mini has forced Apple to turn to Samsung for help, says Korean news site ETNews.
Consumers waiting for the new iPad Mini may have to wait awhile longer.
Apple is pushing back the launch of the Mini 2 due to burn-in problems on the tablet's LCD panel, claims Korean News site ETNews. Citing an unnamed industry source, ETNews says that the glitch stems from the IGZO (indium gallium zinc oxide) technology used for the panels manufactured by Sharp. The smaller pixels required for the Mini 2's Retina display pose a challenge to the technology, thus creating production issues.
Though the burn-in is not visible to the naked eye, the panels don't meet the technical standards to pass Apple's muster. LG Display also is making panels for the Mini 2. However, it uses a different method.
As a result of Sharp's issues, Apple is currently talking to archrival Samsung about supplying display panels for the Mini 2 starting next year, according to the sources. Apple reportedly had been eyeing Samsung as one of the early candidates to make the Mini 2's display, but a deal never surfaced.
"If the burn-in problem is not solved, Apple will be in a fix," an "industry guru" told ETNews. "If Apple relaxes the technological standards for the burn-in, consumers' perception of Apple may deteriorate, and if not, it will have to change its supply chain and delay the launch of the new product."
Apple's online store still says the Mini 2 is coming later in November.
(Via AppleInsider)