Will Apple Delay iPad Mini With Retina Display Until 2014?

Apple AAPL might be forced to delay the second-generation iPad Mini after encountering a massive problem with its display. The iPad Mini with Retina Display is currently due for release this month, but Apple has yet to announce a specific release date. According to Korean tech site ETNews (via AppleInsider), Sharp SHCAY and LG Display LPL have encountered a burn-in problem with their Mini Retina Displays. This problem is apparently not visible to the naked eye, but is still severe enough to fall below Apple's technological standards. Consequently, the company may not be able to deliver the second-generation iPad Mini on time. To remedy this issue, Apple may end up working with its chief competitor, Samsung SSNLF. The South Korean tech giant was supposed to supply Mini Retina Displays anyway, but Apple ultimately went with two of Samsung's biggest competitors instead. Related: iPad Air Launch Draws Modest Crowd At Apple Store Samsung is an expert in the field, however. While Apple has had a number of problems with other suppliers (remember that Sharp was blamed for the iPhone 5 supply problems), Samsung has been one of the company's more reliable suppliers. Retina Display Or Retina Trouble? Display manufacturers have had little trouble producing massive Ultra HD television sets. There have not been many issues with the 13- or 15-inch Retina Displays for the MacBook Pro. But when it comes to smaller products (namely those in the 7.9- and 9.7-inch range), manufacturers seem to have an endless list of Retina problems. The issues date back to March 2012 when Apple released the third-generation iPad (the first one that contained a Retina Display). At the time, some consumers discovered a yellowish hue that covered the tablet's screen. That problem has made a comeback for the iPad Air. If Apple can't escape these and other issues, perhaps it's time for the company to switch to a more reliable group of suppliers. Disclosure: At the time of this writing, Louis Bedigian had no position in the equities mentioned in this report. Louis Bedigian is the Senior Tech Analyst and Features Writer of Benzinga. You can reach him at louis(at)benzingapro(dot)com. Follow him @LouisBedigianBZ