More details about the upcoming second-generation iPad mini have been revealed through hints within the iOS 7 developer SDK. According to these references, the new tablet will sport a faster Apple A6 processor, however it will lack a retina display unlike what many first speculated.
iPad 2,8, iPad 2,9, and iPad 2,10 are all allegedly second-generation iPad mini models — two are cellular enabled and one is WiFi. The code names are J75, J76, and J77. Digging a bit further, the code reveals a “s5l8950x” processor, which is the same name used for the A6 chip in the iPhone 5. A developer submitted these findings to 9to5Mac.
The assumption that the new iPad mini will not get a retina display can be made too thanks to the code. Retina display devices always have references to “@2x” mode, which is what developers use for app artwork that’s scaled up for the high pixel density. The iPad mini models lack any and all “@2x” references like the current model does, suggesting the display resolution will remain at 1024×768 for another year.
It’s important to keep in mind that while the iOS 7 SDK does reveal some information about the iPad minis in progress, this may not be the end result by the time these new tablets ship in the fall. As they have in the past, things can change. As of now though, it looks like Retina display enthusiasts might have to wait until 2014 to buy an iPad mini.