Unfortunately for the ardent fans, iPad Mini 2 release date rumors are claiming that the launch of the highly-anticipated smaller version of Apple tablet will be delayed.

According to report from HNGN, Apple is still having design issues with the device, resulting to speculations that the iPad Mini 2 release date will happen later than the rumored release of its big brother, the iPad 5, in September.

The Cupertino-based tech firm is allegedly still debating whether or not to include Retina Display in the new mini version of iPad, thus, no further official clarification have been made yet regarding iPad Mini 2 release date or even production schedule.

Retina Display is standard on iPad 3 and iPad 4, as reported by Enstarz, but Apple is still undecided if it will give the same treatment to iPad Mini 2. Citing Know Your Mobile, the report said that the tech firm is still finding a solution to the Retina Display's additional size, as stated by Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

The report stated, "Apparently the technology would need to be slimed down in order to for the smaller device to accommodate it. Lack of a solution appears to have slowed the production schedule."

Accordingly, iPad Mini 2 release date will most likely be pushed back to the latter part of Q4 2013 if Apple chooses to integrate Retina Display on the device.

Meanwhile, Apple fans should expect that the latest iteration of iPad Mini will be equipped with better specs. Referring to Expert Reviews report, iPad Mini 2 specs will include faster processor, specifically, the A6X. Apple is also aiming for a bezel-less design for the iPad Mini 2, similar to what is offered by Samsung and HTC's large-size mobile phones.  

In addition to all these rumors, analysts from NPD Display Search, as reported by IB Times, shared their speculations about iPad Mini 2 release date. The analysts said that Apple will release a thinner iPad Mini this 2013 and on the first quarter of 2014, an updated version of iPad Mini 2 will arrive, coming with Retina Display and better processor.