Apple's iPad 5 Shipments Won't Delay iPad Mini 2

Apple's AAPL long-awaited fifth-generation iPad could be one quarter away from release.

According to DigiTimes, LG will ship between 2.5 million and three million iPad panels per month starting sometime in the third quarter, which began this month.

These panels are being designated for the full-size iPad. One to two million of them will be used for the fifth-generation iPad; the rest will be used for an older model.

Related: iPad Mini 2 Release Uncertain as Apple Targets September for iPad 5

This suggests that Apple will not use the iPad 5 to finally kill off the cheaper second-generation model as some had speculated. Apple may choose to continue selling it as a cheaper, lower-resolution alternative to the $499 model.

Apple could also take the opportunity to reduce the price of the fourth-generation model, which could effectively become the "new" iPad 2.

The DigiTimes report also stated that the fifth-generation iPad will contain a display with a max resolution of 2048 by 1536 pixels -- the same as the third- and fourth-generation models. While that may not be a deal breaker for most consumers, it could be disappointing news to those who were hoping for another upgrade.

The report also contained some very positive news regarding the iPad Mini 2.

DigiTimes' sources believe that LG is making progress in the production of Retina Display technology for use in the second-generation iPad Mini. The sources claim that LG will ship between two and three million panels per month to prepare for an October release.

This is notably sooner than the November/December and early 2014 release dates that have been passed around the Internet.

While a delay could still happen, it would not make much sense for Apple to separate the release of the iPad 5 from the iPad Mini 2. In doing so, some consumers will inevitably wait for the next model to be released.

For example, when the iPad Mini 2 arrives, some consumers may choose to wait for the next full-size iPad, just in case it proves to be a better tablet.

This is the exact same dilemma that Apple faced last October when the iPad Mini was scheduled to arrive. That's one of the reasons why Apple chose to release the fourth-generation model so quickly.

The other reason is somewhat depressing.

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