iPad Mini 2 Release Uncertain as Apple Targets iPad 5 Release for September (AAPL)

Apple AAPL could release the next-generation iPad in roughly two months. According to DigiTimes, this news comes after the company began its pilot production run, which proved to be potent enough to sustain the anticipated demand. Apple is now free to launch the iPad 5 in September without complication. Initially, Apple was expected to release the iPad 5 and iPad Mini 2 at the same time. This is still a possibility, especially if the Mac maker wants to maintain continuity between the two products and their release schedules. But it may be impossible to pull off if Apple decides to bring the Retina Display -- the company's highest-resolution display -- to the smaller iPad. Related: Leaked iPhone Images Likely Fake While the exact details are sketchy, DigiTimes' sources believe that if Apple upgrades the display, it may delay the iPad Mini 2's release until the fourth quarter. This could be due to the supply adjustment. Apple might be ready to start producing a next-generation iPad Mini that mimics the current model. With a new display, the company could be required to make changes to the way the device is mass-produced. Additionally, Apple is rumored to be shrinking the iPad Mini's bezel to match the design of Samsung's SSNLF Galaxy Note II, among other large smartphones. This is an interesting rumor considering that the iPad Mini 2 will be a tablet and not a phone. Last week AppleInsider reported that Apple had won a patent that promises to hide a portion of a display until it is needed. Interestingly, the patent was filed in September 2012 -- exactly one year before the iPad 5 is expected to ship. As intriguing as the new patent may be, it could be years before Apple decides to employ the technology. Patents are little more than a concept, so Apple might still be working on an actual prototype. iPhone Release Shift If the iPad 5 comes out in September, where does that leave the iPhone 6 or iPhone 5S? Apple was largely expected to launch its next smartphone in September, but the company is unlikely to divide its audience and release two major devices in the same month. The next iPhone does not currently have a release date, so any delay would be considered unofficial at best. Most consumers would not even notice that the device had slipped from September to October or November. There is also the possibility that the iPhone 5S will ship before the fifth-generation iPad, preventing a delay. Louis Bedigian is the Senior Tech Analyst and Features Writer of Benzinga. You can reach him at 248-636-1322 or louis(at)benzingapro(dot)com. Follow him @LouisBedigianBZ