While the tech world is busy predicting the next logical upgrade for the iPad Mini will be a retina display, the same is expected to add $12 to the cost of production of each of the iPad Mini devices. This will make the tablet to cost around $200 for manufacturing each unit, up from the current $188. The above price estimate only takes into account the addition of a new display while keeping all other components the same. However, with a retina display on-board, Apple will have to consider an enhanced LED backlight to feed the extra pixels. A more powerful battery might also have to be called for to maintain the same back-up times. All these might push the price further northwards, besides also adding to the weight and thickness. The resolution of the current iPad Mini is 1,024 by 768, while a retina display will push the pixel count to 2,048 by 1,536. Interestingly, an earlier BOM analysis by iSuppli had estimated the most expensive component on the iPad Mini to be the display itself with price pegged at $80.
While that was the situation over three months ago, what remains to be seen is whether display technology has become advanced enough to allow Apple to offer retina display on the new iPad Mini without adding to the costs significantly. Apple had launched retina display enabled iPad 3 at the same price as its predecessor. The iPad Mini range now starts at $329.
Sovan Mandal is the senior tablet and tech corespondent for goodereader.com. He brings a international approach to news that is not just applicable to the North American market, but also Asia, India, Europe and others. Sovy brings his own writing flavor to the website and is interested in Science Fiction, Technology and Writing. Any questions, send an email