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Apple Could Phase Out iPad 2 Due to iPad Mini Launch

By - Source: AppleInsider

Revised tablet set to be announced tomorrow during Apple media event.

An Evercore Partners analyst believes Apple will phase out the iPad 2 following the launch of the iPad Mini.

Rob Cihra said the firm could phase out the iPad 2 due the company's vision leaning towards "clearer product tiers".

Released back in March 2011, the iPad 2's Wi-Fi 16GB model is available at an Apple store for $399, while the Wi-Fi and 3G variant is priced at $529. Comparatively, the third-generation iPad retails at $499 for the 16GB Wi-Fi version, with the 64GB Wi-Fi and 4G model featuring a $829 price tag.

As for the price of the iPad Mini, its Wi-Fi 8GB model has a reported price tag of $322, while the 64GB cellular version will retail for $650.

The iPad Mini, which Apple has apparently ordered 10 million units of, is due for an official announcement tomorrow. A release date is apparently scheduled for a week later on November 2.

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  • 3
    assasin32 , October 23, 2012 8:04 AM
    I thought they already phased out the Ipad 2, isn't that what you do with older hardware.
  • 4
    nforce4max , October 23, 2012 8:04 AM
    Wow those prices are high, could build a mid range game rig or a low to mid end workstation for that price.
  • 3
    bllue , October 23, 2012 8:30 AM
    For that price tag you might as well go with the other 7" tablets like Kindle Fire HD and get an Amazon Prime subscription and get A LOT more bang for your buck
  • -5
    otacon72 , October 23, 2012 9:04 AM
    bllueFor that price tag you might as well go with the other 7" tablets like Kindle Fire HD and get an Amazon Prime subscription and get A LOT more bang for your buck


    ..or just get an iPad Mini.
  • 1
    okibrian , October 23, 2012 9:17 AM
    Quote:
    I thought they already phased out the Ipad 2, isn't that what you do with older hardware.


    No, Apple actually supports the older hardware until the older hardware can no longer support a newer iOS. They will always keep a few new features from being applied to the older devices, as incentive to buy a newer device, but you will always be able to download and install the newest iOS until Apple thinks the performance will take too much of a hit on an older device.
  • -5
    Immoral Medic , October 23, 2012 9:29 AM
    Can they just "phase" out? That would be great...
  • 1
    reprotected , October 23, 2012 10:52 AM
    I think this is a good idea. I think I might just get one.
  • -2
    jerm1027 , October 23, 2012 1:45 PM
    Why not the iPad 3 too? They're essentially the same thing.
  • -1
    tomfreak , October 23, 2012 4:28 PM
    Right.... Apple as always.... so according to them it is impossible to make full size Ipad cheaper than $399 or even below $299.
  • 1
    Old_Fogie_Late_Bloomer , October 23, 2012 8:10 PM
    bllueFor that price tag you might as well go with the other 7" tablets like Kindle Fire HD and get an Amazon Prime subscription and get A LOT more bang for your buck

    I never thought I'd say this, but I'd buy an iPad Mini over a Kindle Fire after reading this:

    http://www.tomsguide.com/us/Kindle-Deleted-Books-Closed-Account-Martin-Bekkelund,news-16204.html

    I've never heard of Apple remotely wiping an iPad, but this is the second story I've heard where Amazon has remotely deleted content that consumers have paid for (the first was the notorious 1984 incident). I'll be willing to change my tune if someone can share a story of Apple doing this (believe me, I'm not a fan of theirs), but yeah...
  • 0
    aracheb , October 23, 2012 9:13 PM
    Old_Fogie_Late_BloomerI never thought I'd say this, but I'd buy an iPad Mini over a Kindle Fire after reading this:http://www.tomsguide.com/us/Kindle [...] 16204.htmlI've never heard of Apple remotely wiping an iPad, but this is the second story I've heard where Amazon has remotely deleted content that consumers have paid for (the first was the notorious 1984 incident). I'll be willing to change my tune if someone can share a story of Apple doing this (believe me, I'm not a fan of theirs), but yeah...

    i had read about apple wiping the whole user experience out of a reporter not only their ipad but amen that is just my 2 cent
  • 0
    Old_Fogie_Late_Bloomer , October 23, 2012 10:47 PM
    arachebi had read about apple wiping the whole user experience out of a reporter not only their ipad but amen that is just my 2 cent

    Okay, yes, I knew about that, too. But that's a different situation. The guy was the target of an attack, and the attacker used social engineering to gain access to his machines through someone at Apple support who obviously was not prepared to be in their position.

    Again, I'm not making excuses for Apple; they got caught with their pants down. But as incompetent as they were, they believed they were acting in accordance to their customer's wishes. That wasn't the deal with either of the Amazon incidents.

    Edit: It also bears mentioning that one of the reasons that hack was successful was issues with Amazon's security... :sarcastic:  The whole sordid tale is told here, and there's plenty of blame to spread around: http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2012/08/apple-amazon-mat-honan-hacking/all/