Apple announced its second-generation iPad Mini as expected, and the new 7.9-inch tablet finally boasts the much-awaited Retina Display with a higher resolution and pixel density.

When Apple launched its first iPad mini last year, iFans were immediately disappointed because the tablet did not feature the company's popular Retina Display. It was slim, well-built and with high-end specs and proved to be successful in the end, but consumers were still hoping to see a Retina iPad Mini.

Apple has now finally delivered an iPad Mini with Retina Display, addressing one of the most criticized shortcomings of the smaller tablet. The new iPad Mini has a 2048 x 1536 resolution, just like the new iPad Air unveiled at the same Oct. 22 event. With the new 64-bit A7 processor and upgraded graphics processing unit (GPU) under the hood, the iPad Mini with Retina Display also allows for improved graphical ability.

The original iPad Mini packed an Apple A5 chip, but the new-generation sports the same A7 chip as the one powering the iPhone 5S. While the first iPad Mini could occasionally fluster, the new processor should significantly boost performance in the second-generation iPad Mini.

Other than the processor and the Retina Display, not much else has changed with the 7.9-inch tablet. The new iPad Mini looks virtually the same as last year's model and it does not feature a Touch ID fingerprint sensor like the iPhone 5S, as some previous rumors have suggested ahead of the big unveiling.

In terms of availability, Apple only listed the iPad Mini with Retina Display as "coming in November," without giving any specific release date. Some reports have previously suggested that the higher-resolution panels may cause some production and supply issues, thus leading to limited availability at least initially.

Considering the lack of a specific launch date for the iPad Mini, such rumors may prove to be accurate. The new iPad Air, for instance, made its debut at the same Oct. 22 event, but has a clear launch date of Nov. 1. With the smaller version, the only timeframe is November. Apple did mention, however, that the new iPad Mini will be available in two color options - Space Gray and Silver - and will sport a starting price of $399. Check out the product page for more details regarding the tablet's specs and features.