Apple Reportedly Increased iPad Mini Orders After Removing Production Bottlenecks

Apple and its manufacturing and component supply chain partners may finally have a handle on the newest iPad mini with a Retina-class display. It's that so-called "Retina" display that's been holding back production of the iPad mini, leading to a shortage of devices. However, it's now being reported that all bottlenecks on the manufacturing side have been removed.

According to Digitimes and its sources within Apple's supply chain in Taiwan, the Cupertino company just placed an order for 4 million iPad mini models for November alone. Not only is Apple gearing up for a busy holiday shopping season, but it's also a show of faith in its manufacturing partners that they'll be able to fulfill an order that large.

iPad mini

That means you'll start to see more iPad mini devices in retail stores. The shortage was the main reason why it's been so hard to find in retail, at least up until around the middle of November.

On Apple's website, every current generation iPad mini SKU lists as being available to ship in 5-10 business days. The iPad mini starts at $479 for the 16GB Wi-Fi model and ramps all the way up to $949 for the 128GB model with both Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity. iPad mini devices are available in space grey and silver.