Retina iPad Mini Shipping Estimates Improve to 1 to 3 Days in Multiple Countries Ahead of the Holidays

As the holidays approach, Apple's Retina iPad mini supplies have begun to improve, alleviating the supply constraints the product has faced since its quiet November 12 launch.

In the Online Apple Store, Retina iPad mini shipping estimates for all models and capacities, including cellular models, have decreased to 1 to 3 days in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Asia Pacific. The Retina iPad mini continues to ship within 3 to 5 days in European countries.

shippingestimates
The new shipping estimates are a significant improvement from shipping estimates in late November, which slipped to 5 to 10 days for multiple weeks before improving to 3 to 5 days earlier this week.

Issues with display yields were reportedly behind Apple's supply shortages, and as a result of the constrained supplies, Apple launched the Retina iPad mini in the middle of the night, offering the tablet solely via its online store and through Personal Pickup. It wasn't until 10 days after launch that Apple began allowing walk-in sales of the Retina mini. Cellular models have been the most constrained, with multiple carriers experiencing back orders on cellular Retina iPad minis in November.

Just a few weeks ago, a report suggested Apple had solved its production problems, allowing it to build up some supplies for the holiday shopping season. Along with shorter shipping estimates, in-store supplies of the Retina iPad mini appear to have improved slightly as well, with several colors and capacities available for immediate pickup in quite a few Apple Stores around the country.

According to an unofficial web tracker, supplies of the 16 and 32 GB Wi-Fi models are widely available, while the larger 64 and 128 GB Retina iPad minis and all cellular minis remain in shorter supply.

Apple’s holiday shipping guidelines now suggest that U.S. customers order the non-engraved Retina iPad mini by December 16 for a December 24 delivery with standard shipping.

(Thanks, Leonard!)

Related Roundup: iPad mini
Buyer's Guide: iPad Mini (Caution)
Related Forum: iPad

Popular Stories

Apple Announces Special Event in New York Feature

Apple Announces Special Event in New York, London, and Shanghai on March 4

Monday February 16, 2026 6:05 am PST by
Apple today announced a "special Apple Experience" in New York, London, and Shanghai, taking place on March 4, 2026 at 9:00am ET. Apple invited select members of the media to the event in three major cities around the world. It is simply described as a "special Apple Experience," and there is no further information about what it may entail. The invitation features a 3D Apple logo design...
iphone 16 apple intelligence

Apple Aiming to Release 'Breakthrough' New iPhone Accessory

Wednesday February 18, 2026 12:43 pm PST by
Apple is looking for a "breakthrough" with its push into wearable AI devices, including an "AirTag-sized pendant," according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In a report this week, he said the pendant is reminiscent of the failed Humane AI Pin, but it would be an iPhone accessory rather than a standalone product. The pendant would feature an "always-on" camera and a microphone for Siri voice...
CarPlay Liquid Glass Dark

iOS 26.4's New CarPlay Video Feature Shown in Action

Wednesday February 18, 2026 9:29 am PST by
Back at WWDC 2025, Apple revealed that it was planning to allow CarPlay users to watch video via AirPlay in their vehicles while they are not driving, and the first beta of iOS 26.4 suggests the feature may be nearing availability. There are several new references to CarPlay video streaming functionality within the iOS 26.4 beta's source code. The feature is not yet visible to users, but...
iphone 17 pro green

iPhone 17 Pro Max Curiously Becomes Most Traded-In Smartphone

Wednesday February 18, 2026 9:13 am PST by
New trade-in data indicates that Apple's iPhone 17 Pro Max has rapidly become the single most traded-in smartphone. According to a new report from SellCell, Apple's latest flagship iPhone has quickly risen to the top of the independent trade-in market, accounting for 11.5% of all devices appearing in the top-20 trade-in rankings just months after release. The analysis is based on SellCell...
Apple Announces Special Event in New York Feature 1

Apple Event on March 4: Here's What to Expect

Tuesday February 17, 2026 8:08 am PST by
Apple on Monday invited selected journalists and content creators to a "special Apple Experience" on Wednesday, March 4 in New York, London, and Shanghai. At an Apple Experience, attendees are typically given the opportunity to try out Apple's latest hardware or software. Following the launch of Apple Creator Studio last month, for example, some content creators attended an Apple Experience...

Top Rated Comments

69650 Avatar
159 months ago
Are you having trouble reading? Guess so. I did say the U.S. is the last to get innovative tech when the company originates outside the U.S. Did Apple and Microsoft suddenly change their place of origin? Last I checked Apple and Microsoft both originated in the United States and to this day their main headquarters are still in the U.S.

I don't need to prove anything to you, it's relatively common knowledge that the U.S. gets the most innovative tech last from companies that do not either reside in the U.S or did not originate in the U.S. Anyone who disagrees with that is in the minority alongside with you. Don't get upset because two of the largest tech giants are now putting out popular tech. Before Apple and Microsoft put out anything that became super popular it was always Sony or any Japanese company and more times than not certain products from these companies remained exclusive and were never brought to the U.S so once again, quit whining.

And give me a break about CES, that's nothing but a vaporware show.
Oh I see I didn't realise that Sony was now classed as a US company. That must be the reason you got the PS4 before anyone else - including the Japanese who have to wait until next year to get it.

I think you're the one whining on about how hard done by you are living in the world's most prosperous country. You really must have it hard living in the US. Presumably the fact that you pay less than just about anyone else in the world for your tech products (including Apple products) doesn't factor into your thinking.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
macs4nw Avatar
159 months ago
With almost everything available now, that's a better show than last year.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
159 months ago
My point is apparently you have issues with reading comprehension.[COLOR="#808080"]
If you'd actually read you comment, you'd realize that it makes no sense. I think someone has writing problems. That paragraph seriously makes no sense.

It also shows how limited your world view is. Yes, Japan was a major player back then, but products still came to the US first. Even if you don't believe it, it's how it was. And I think you should stop living in the past and realize that the US gets most technology in the first wave of a rollout. I honestly don't know what you're bitching about at all.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
159 months ago
So what happened to all the tech bloggers and analysts who breathlessly exclaimed that there would be no retina mini's to be had for the holidays?
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
159 months ago
Uh, we are talking about tech companies that put out hardware tech products. Facebook, Twitter and Yahoo don't count. Google is limited to an OS and a few portable tech products and Amazon makes a Kindle. Microsoft's major hardware product is the XBOX. Before that all they offered was Windows and Office and everybody got that. Before the iPod Apple wasn't considered a major force to be reckoned with, at that time it was all Japan-based and German companies that put out products and only certain pieces ever made it to the U.S.

And your point is......?
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
159 months ago
Except no Mac Pro yet.

You had your chance to bid on the red one if you really wanted it by X-mas.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)