Apple may have announced its hotly anticipated Retina iPad Mini a few days ago, but that doesn’t mean that the speculation is going to end there. Prior to the announcement, it was being consistently rumored that the new iPad Mini might be in short supply immediately after launch. The reason for supply constraints is believed to be low yield rates of Retina display panels. Director of tablet and monitor research at IHS iSuppli, Rhoda Alexander, doesn’t expect “meaningful” volume of iPad mini shipments until the first quarter of next year.
According to Rhoda, supply for the Retina iPad Mini is “severely constrained.” A number of other analysts have voiced their concerns over shipments as well. Apple didn’t even give a concrete release date for the new iPad Mini, some take this as a sign that the company is having to cope up with inconsistent supply. Apple has said that the Retina iPad Mini will be launched later in November, but hasn’t provided a solid date. If Apple only has a limited amount of iPad Mini units that must be divided in all launch markets, then perhaps it might be a little harder for you to get your hands on a new iPad Mini come launch day.