In an incredible turn of events, Apple seems to have resolved supplier issues with creating 7.9-inch display panels that feature pixel densities qualifying for the "Retina display" tag; thanks to, of all companies, Samsung.

　　Second generation iPad Mini was initially rumored to feature Retina Display, until issues surfaced with its principal supplier of displays, LG Display; leading to reports that the tablet could lose out on high-resolution displays. A new Wall Street Journal report claims that Retina display is back on the next iPad Mini's specs sheet, courtesy of a last minute deal clinched with Samsung.

　　Originally a major supplier of components to Apple, Samsung bore the brunt of efforts by Apple to reduce component dependency on it, but sourcing them from Samsung's competitors. It allocated SoC manufacturing to various Taiwan-based fabs, memory to SK-Hynix, display and battery to LG, and so on. It did retain supplier ties with Samsung, which has been supplying small quantities of displays in concert with LG Display and Sharp.

　　With Samsung coming forward with its 7.9-inch Retina panel. Things could change between Apple and Samsung, or not.