ordering displays for Retina iPad mini this yr, new back colors possible

And the back and forth continues. Hot on the heels of a report this afternoon thatiOS 7contains references to anA6 iPad miniwith a non-Retina display, comes a story from The Wall Street Journal that has begun ordering hi-res screens from for the tablet.Today’s clash is just the latest in along lineofconflicting reportsregarding ’s next- 8-inch slate, which is set to debut this fall. Previous speculation has suggested that a Retina iPad mini would be nrly technically impossible, but tonight’s story says the contrary…The Journal’s Lorraine Lukhas the scoop:“Inc.’sAAPL-0.17%suppliers are gring up for mass production of a new iPad mini in the fourth quarter that will likely fture a high-resolution screen from,005930.SE+0.08%people familiar with the matter say, an indiion of the difficulty the U.S. company faces in its attempt to reduce its dependence on its biggest rival. is working with suppliers in Asia on its next iPad mini with a high-resolution “retina” display, unlike the current iPad mini that comes with a lower-resolution screen, the people said.”Luk goes on to say that the size of the new tablet will likely be the same as the 7.9-inch model we have now—no surprise there—and that is also considering colored backs for the device. Looking at the5th iPod touchand recentiPhone s, that makes sense too.So does this mn this yr’s iPad miniwillhave a Retina display? Not necessarily. But the report does sound a lot like an plant. The company has long used the WSJ as a moutiece to steer the conversation, and the scoop came late at night, following negative reports.Industry watchers have been fairly split on the need for an iPad mini with Retina display. Some feel that since Google’snew 7dawns a hi-res screen, has to respond in kind or it’ll get left behind. Others think a Retina mini would detract attention away from theredesigned iPad 5.Again, it’s going to be an interesting fall.