Apple's iPad mini was one of the company's most-loved devices, and consumers are already looking forward to the next generation iPad mini 2 release date. Rumored to pack the Cupertino company's Retina display, it would surely be one heck of a device as far as size and price range are concerned.  

However, according to a report from CNet, IHS iSuppli analyst Rhoda Alexander stated that while the next generation iPad 5 will certainly be launched this year, a release date for the iPad mini 2 is highly unlikely. 

 "The Retina Mini looks less certain for that time. Manufacturing volumes on that would match better with a [first-quarter 2014] launch,"  Alexander said. 

Rumors which have been circulating for a couple of months point to an Apple even in October where it will launch a newly-designed iPad 5, and the Retina-powered iPad mini 2. A few devices are also rumored to be announced on that event, including a new generation Apple TV. 

But if Alexander's prediction would turn out correct, a first quarter release in 2014 would be the soonest time we would get our hands on Apple's new iPad mini tablet.