Apple's Retina display has received a good deal of praise from tech reviewers, and it is worthwhile to note how remarkable this technology truly is. There has been renewed interest in the display, due largely to circulating rumors that the next generation iPad mini device will feature a Retina display with 2048 x 1536 pixels. Gotta Be Mobile's Chuong Nguyen recently reported that this is the same number of pixels per inch found on the third and fourth generation of Apple's full-sized iPad tablets.
CNET also recently reported that production on the iPad mini 2 is slated to begin as early as June, and much of the excitement about the upcoming model is because this will be the highest resolution screen on a tablet to date.
What the Retina display does for accessibility
In a recent MacWorld blog post, contributing writer Steven Aquino shared his unique perspective on the Retina display, as he is visually impaired. He noted that while there are many great accessibility features for the iPad and other iOS devices, for him the greatest accessibility feature is the screen.
“As a visually impaired user, my effective use of these devices depends on the quality and brightness of the screen,” Aquino wrote. “In order for me to achieve optimal use – especially on the iPhone, the device I use the most – I've found that I really need a Retina display set to maximum brightness. My eyesight is such that I see 'pixels' naturally, meaning that everything I see is fuzzy. While no Retina display will ever be able to completely eliminate that fuzziness, such displays can drastically reduce it.”
Aquino explained that when Apple released iPhone and iPad models featuring the Retina display, it was a “total game-changer.” He pointed to the combination of the high pixel density and bright LED-backlit display, which allowed him to read even the smallest text and recognize details he hadn't previously.
“Though the Retina display was rightfully a revelation to the normal-sighted, it was orders of magnitude more important to me,” Aquino concluded. “The screen must compensate for my lack of vision. Apple's non-Retina displays were great, but Retina is even better. And the better the display, the better I can use my phone – and better enjoy myself when I do.”
Aquino's unique experience draws focus to the major accessibility benefits that Apple has provided with their devices. Of course, these devices will still be dropped and glass screens will break, iResQ's iPad and iPhone screen repair services are an excellent solution for getting these accessible devices back to top condition once again.