Apple Could Phase Out iPad 2 Due to iPad Mini Launch

By Zak Islam
published

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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Zak Islam
11 Comments Comment from the forums
  • assasin32
    I thought they already phased out the Ipad 2, isn't that what you do with older hardware.
    Reply
  • nforce4max
    Wow those prices are high, could build a mid range game rig or a low to mid end workstation for that price.
    Reply
  • bllue
    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
    Reply
  • okibrian
    9418304 said:
    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.
    Reply
  • Immoral Medic
    Can they just "phase" out? That would be great...
    Reply
  • reprotected
    I think this is a good idea. I think I might just get one.
    Reply
  • jerm1027
    Why not the iPad 3 too? They're essentially the same thing.
    Reply
  • tomfreak
    Right.... Apple as always.... so according to them it is impossible to make full size Ipad cheaper than $399 or even below $299.
    Reply
  • Old_Fogie_Late_Bloomer
    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 buckI 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...
    Reply
  • aracheb
    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
    Reply