An analyst believes that tech giant Apple will release two iPad Mini tablets both with Retina screen display.

NPD DisplaySearch analyst Richard Shim is now saying that Apple will release two Retina iPad mini versions, "One in the second half of this year, then one in Q1 of 2014. The Q1 device will have a Retina display plus an updated processor."

He speculated that the miniature tablet set for release early next year would be similar to the debut of iPad 4 roughly six months after the third-generation model.

The iPad Mini 2 will purportedly feature the company's wildly popular retina display. The same rumour suggests that Apple will release a follow-up version to its iPad mini 2 almost immediately, which will also include a retina display, along with a faster processor.

"We see see two refreshes coming. One in the second half of this year, then one in Q1 [first quarter] of 2014. The third-generation iPad mini will reportedly also include a retina display, but will get an even bigger boost with the inclusion of an improved processor. "The Q1 [2014] device will have a retina display plus an updated processor," analyst Richard Shim recently told CNET.

It remains unclear which display tech Apple plans to use in its iPad mini 2, but there's a possibility that it could choose the same type found in the iPhone 5, which is low-temperature polysilicon (otherwise known as LTPS).

According to reports, iPad Mini 2 will feature a screen with a resolution of 2048 x 1536. This is almost four times the resolution of the present iPad Mini and is equal to the fourth generation iPad which was released along with the iPad Mini last year. AU Optronics has been rumoured to be making displays for the iPad Mini 2.

Other specs include a more powerful dual core A7 processor and a 7.9 inch screen. It will also feature a 10-hour battery life, a FaceTime HD camera, and an iSight camera with 1080 pixels HD video recording. Apple is also trying to reduce the thickness of the iPad Mini 2 by using the Sharp's IGZO (indium gallium zinc oxide) technology in its screens.

Apple's CEO Tim Cook recently confirmed that no new Apple products will be released before fall 2013. However, the sudden disappearance of previous iPads tells consumers otherwise.

According to reports, iPad 5 is set for release in October; while the iPad Mini 2 will be released in Christmas. Apple may have decided to make a solo launch for both tablets due to the popularity of iPad Mini. The device was well-received by consumers in many parts of the world.

However, the Cupertino-based company remained tight-lipped on the rumours and on its plans for this year.