According to sources who had worked in Apple's supply chain, the tech giant's new iPad Mini model would not have the sharper screens already found on models of its rivals Google Inc and Amazon Inc. The retina display, as explained by Apple in an earlier presentation, is a resolution that is so detailed that pixels could not be detected by the human eye. The sources also said Apple just geared up in making retina displays now, and that iPad units with retina displays could only be distributed in limited quantities. The sources added that should this be the case, Apple would not be able to cash in on the holiday shopping season.

The sources said the new iPad Mini would be launched this month. However, it was not clear what features would the new iPad Mini have once it would be rolled out by Apple. The report by Reuters said consumers would be expecting Apple nonetheless to release its new models in thin, lighter versions with high-resolution screens and cameras. Analyst Frank Gillett with Forrester Research said, "If they don't put in retina ... there will be howls."

Tech research company IDC showed survey data that iPad's total market share in tablets was reduced to half to 32.5% during the second quarter in 2012. Android gadgets, on the other hand, gained 62.6% in the same quarter.