Apple Testing iPad Mini 2 Without Retina Display

Apple is reportedly testing an iPad mini 2 with a new Apple A6 processor and no Retina Display with iOS 7, but it remains unclear if this is a new iPad mini Apple plans to release in 2013.

Apple’s iPad mini is 9 months old and facing increased competition from the new Nexus 7 which delivers improved power and a higher resolution display.

Multiple reports point to an Apple iPad mini 2 in 2013, but the reports are not clear on the features.

Every other week a new source or analyst claims the iPad mini 2 will feature a Retina Display or that the iPad mini with Retina Display release won’t come until 2014. Other reports claim Apple is working on a cheap iPad mini or iPad mini 2 for this year. About the only thing the iPad mini 2 rumors agree on is that Apple is working on a followup to the successful iPad mini.

Read: 8 Things iPad mini Buyers Need to Know

A new report from 9to5Mac highlights clues inside iOS 7 that point to a new iPad mini without a Retina Display, thought it is not clear if such a device is only for internal testing or part of the rumored iPad mini 2 release expected this fall.

According to the report, a developer discovered code in the iOS 7 SDK which deals with all the devices iOS 7 supports. This code includes references to three new iPad mini models, which could be the new iPad mini 2. The models and code names are shown below.

• iPad “2,8,” – J75
• iPad “2,9,” – J76
• iPad “2,10″ – J77

This listing indicates an iPad mini 2 in WiFi and in two different Cellular models. This matches the current iPad mini, and according to 9to5Mac the model numbers line up with current iPad mini models that end at iPad “2,7.”

The iOS 7 beta code shows the details above and a processor linked to the Apple A6 chip currently in the iPhone 5. This would be a step up from the iPad mini which uses an older apple A5 processor and could deliver a better overall experience and better gaming. The report points to a lack of @2x references, which indicates these new iPad mini models don’t include a Retina Display.

The iPad mini with Retina Display reportedly uses the J85 code name internally at Apple. iLounge shared this information at the start of 2013, while talking about the iPad mini 2, possibly with an IGZO display which the publication expected in October.

The iPad mini 2 release is likely set for this fall based on multiple rumors and analyst commentary. Early reports indicate Apple could keep the iPad 5 and iPad mini 2 launches separate to avoid the iPad mini 2 overshadowing a new full-size iPad.