iPad Mini suffers from production woes, analyst says
Yet Apple will still be able to sell between 5 million and 7 million iPad Minis in the fourth quarter, argues Brian White of Topeka Capital.
Apple's iPad Mini is tough to produce, according to one analyst.
Due to the tiny tablet's complex design, Apple's supply chain is having a tough time producing it, Topeka Capital analyst Brian White wrote to investors today, according to Business Insider, which obtained a copy of the note. White said that he now expects the iPad Mini to launch sometime next month, four to six weeks behind his original prediction.
Still, White believes that Apple will sell a boatload of iPad Minis by the end of the fourth quarter, reaching sales of 5 million to 7 million units.
If the iPad Mini does, in fact, exist, it's the worst-kept secret in tech. So far, Apple hasn't given any indication that the iPad Mini is a reality, but rumors have been swirling for months that it's coming. And according to those rumors, the device will feature a 7.85-inch display and go on sale for a price that's far cheaper than Apple's current, larger tablet.
Just yesterday, yet another rumor claimed Apple would be sending out an invite next week to a special event unveiling the iPad Mini. The device might then be made available a couple of weeks after that event.
The rumors kept coming today, as a parts reseller published photos of what's claimed to be the headphone jack component for the iPad Mini. The images were discovered by Nowhereelse.fr and AppleInsider.
CNET has contacted Apple for comment on White's investor note. We will update this story when we have more information.