iPad 5 Release Date 2013: iPad Mini 2 with Retina Display Not Coming with Apple Inc.'s iPad 5 this Year [Report]

The second-generation iPad mini is unlikely to launch this year based on a new report.

According to IHS iSuppli, its supply chain checks have the 9.7-inch iPad 5 tablet on track for an October launch date. The iPad mini 2, however, is "not yet at levels that would indicative of a simultaneous release," as CNET noted.

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"The Retina Mini looks less certain for that time," said IHS iSuppli's Director of Tablet and Monitor Research Rhoda Alexander. "Manufacturing volumes on that would match better with a Q114 [first quarter 2014] launch."

The IHS iSuppli director of tablet and monitor research added that the iPad mini 2 could still make its debut in October but see shipments at a later date.

Meanwhile, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo stated the iPad 5 and iPad mini 2 would see a release of during the fourth quarter this year as Apple want to increase its role in the tablet market.

As Latinos Post reported, Apple is facing tougher tablet competition as its market share is down considerably when comparing the second quarter of 2013 to the same period last year. Based on the International Data Corporation's (IDC) figures, Apple finished the second quarter this year with 32.4 percent of the market share, which is down from 2012's 60.3 percent.

In regards to potential iPad 5 features, the iPad 5 is expected to have design similar to the iPad mini. The Wall Street Journal reported Apple will use the same touch-panel technology seen on the iPad mini for the iPad 5.

Meanwhile, DisplaySearch analyst Shoko Oi stated that the opportunity of using a film-based touch panel is starting to become more appealing for manufactures and vendors. Oi added that the film material has its technical advantages over glass-based touch panels.

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For the latest updates, follow Latinos Post's Michael Oleaga on Twitter: @EditorMikeO

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