The reports around the launch timing of an iPad mini with Retina display has taken a new twist with the WSJ reporting that Apple may have turned to Samsung to help supply sufficient Retina displays for the next-gen portable device. The latest Google Nexus 7 boasts a Retina display-equivalent 323ppi 7-inch display. Apple's reasonable response should be an iPad mini capable of challenging the Nexus 7. According to the Wall Street Journal, with Samsung Display added as a display supplier, the iPad mini will likely arrive this year, and will not be delayed into early 2014 as some other sources have suggested.

Apple is also said to be sourcing iPad mini Retina displays from Sharp and LG. The Wall Street Journal sources also indicated that Apple may be considering multicolored rear panels for the next iPad mini.

The currently available iPad Mini (2012) features an IPS display.