Michal Ždanský If there's one aspect of the next-generation iPad mini that's been most speculated about, it's the Retina display. Google two days ago introduced the new Nexus 7, a seven-inch tablet with a resolution of 1920×1080 pix, which according to Google makes it the tablet with the finest display with a dot density of 323 ppi. According to many, Apple's adequate response should be an iPad mini with a Retina display, which would raise the bar even further to 326 ppi, just as current iPhones have.
However, the release of the iPad mini with Retina display is questionable, especially because of the possible cost of production, which would further reduce Apple's profit below the level of the average margin, unless the Californian giant wants to increase the price. When we look at the production cost of iPads, which he regularly calculates iSuppli.com, we get to some interesting numbers:
- iPad 2 16GB Wi-Fi - $245 (50,9% markup)
- iPad 3rd gen. 16GB Wi-Fi - $316 (36,7% margin)
- iPad mini 16GB Wi-Fi - $188 (42,9% margin)
From these data, we find out other numbers: thanks to the Retina display and other improvements, the production price rose by 29 percent; the price of identical hardware (iPad2-iPad mini) fell by 23% over 1,5 years. If we were to apply this hardware discount to the 3rd generation iPad components, assuming they will be used in the iPad mini 2, then the manufacturing cost would be around $243. That would mean a margin of only 26 percent for Apple.
And what about the analysts? According to Digitimes.com would the implementation of the Retina display increase the production price by more than $12, others expect a price increase of up to 30%, which coincides with the difference in the production price of the iPad 2 and the iPad 3rd generation. If Apple wanted to maintain the current average margin, which is 36,9 percent, it would have to keep the production price below $208, so the price increase should be below 10 percent.
Unfortunately, no analyst either iSuppli cannot say exactly what prices Apple can negotiate for individual components. All we know is that it can be obtained at a significantly lower price than its competitors (maybe except for Samsung, which manufactures a large part of the components itself). Whether or not the iPad mini 2 will have a Retina display may depend on whether Apple can build the tablet for the above amount. Google managed something similar with the new Nexus 7 for less than $229, so it might not be an impossible task for Apple.
Apple will not allow itself to use an older display after the release of the new Nexus. I think it's almost certain that he will use Retina.
well, that would be like saying that apple will not allow itself to release only parameter-improved iPhone 3S after the release of samsung s4/s5 and htc one, but rather 6. Well, let's be surprised, it will decide what to bet on this season :D
“…the new Nexus 7 for under $229…”
The problem is that Google is forcing Asus to sell the Nexus 7 without a margin, possibly even at a loss. So if a 7″ plastic tablet with a high resolution display costs $229.
A 7.9-inch tablet with a much larger display area, aluminum construction + a higher amount of RAM and a faster SoC, especially on the graphics side (around the retina display), will cost much more. It may launch at a higher price, but personally I'm willing to pay more for the retina mini than the current iPad mini.
what are you talking about, the Ipad Mini 2 will definitely have more RAM than the new Nexus 7 (2GB) will not have :)
I don't think the mini2 will have more than 2GB of memory compared to the Nexus. Maybe the iPad5 will have that
Forget that the iPad mini with Retina display will cost 8500 CZK (or $329). It will cost more, just as there is a price difference between the iPad 2 and the iPad with Retina, so will the mini. I can't imagine an iPad mini with Retina, 1GB RAM, A6 processor for 8500. #HellisFrozen.
The 3rd generation iPad fared equally well against the iPad 2. I don't really believe that Apple would raise prices.
He didn't stand the same. It was 1000 more expensive.
I do not take into account the Czech prices, which depend on other factors, including the exchange rate of the dollar against the euro, in the USA the price has not changed.
So let Apple put in the Mini retina, the same processor and RAM that the iPad 5 will have - and sell it for the price of the iPad 5. People will be able to decide whether they want a large display or mobility. And you won't lose your margins. He could already do that in the 1st generation.
Finally a reasonable opinion. I want performance, not to be disappointed. The problem would be how to get there (if the iPad 5 has) an A7X processor. Above all, it must not be less powerful than the iPad 4, I would give it a shot.
I wouldn't see a problem with that - the components are made in smaller and smaller architectures, so the components are still the same size. The only thing that could be a bit of a problem is a possible increase in weight (due to the battery). And the device would not be so thin. Unless Apple would come up with something. That is, the technologies are there - for example, IGZO displays, but the question is whether they will want to use them. As I've written several times before, when I was deciding whether to go from an iPad 2 to a Mini or a large iPad, the only reason I had to think about it a lot was because I wanted performance and retina. And unfortunately it is not quite enough in terms of performance, it is felt a little in the system. I don't care about the price, the 5-6 thousand for much better hardware is worth it. And Apple's margins would be reduced. So I really don't understand why they favor those who go after price over those who want the best and are willing to pay for it. Even if they were to make a low-cost iPad Mini and then a proper one..