iPad Air popular upgrade for iPad 2 owners, silver 16GB model in high demand - survey
While Apple didn't offer official sales figures of the thinner and lighter fifth-generation iPad Air Monday morning, a survey of launch weekend buyers, as well as online tracking data, offers some idea of how well the company's latest flagship tablet is performing after three days of availability.
After the iPad Air went on sale last Friday, analyst Brian White of Cantor Fitzgerald polled 106 buyers at Apple retail stores in New York City. Among those early adopters, 73 percent were upgrading from older iPad models, while the remaining customers were new to Apple's iPad platform.
The biggest portion of iPad Air upgraders were those who previously owned an iPad 2, representing 31 percent of respondents. Another 18 percent of those polled were transitioning from the third-generation iPad, while 16 percent had owned the first-generation iPad.
White's poll also found that most day-one buyers -- 64 percent --?preferred the white and silver model over space gray. The entry-level 16-gigabyte capacity also proved to be most popular, with 60 percent of respondents indicating it was their purchase.
Interestingly, White's survey also found strong demand for Apple's recently discounted first-generation iPad mini, which is now available for $299.
Separately, mobile analytics research firm Fiksu has been tracking online usage data of the iPad Air since it went on sale last Friday. They found that usage of the iPad Air is significantly higher than that of the fourth-generation iPad after the same amount of time last year.
After three days of availability, the iPad Air represents 0.74 percent of all active iPads tracked by Fiksu. In contrast, at the same point last year, the fourth-generation iPad was at just 0.15 percent.
The data comes paints a picture of a launch weekend from which Apple has apparently declined to give specific sales data. In contrast, last year Apple debuted both the iPad mini and fourth-generation iPad on the same day, and announced they both reached 3 million units with both devices in their first three days.
Apple's silence likely stems from the fact that this year the iPad Air launched alone, while the second-generation iPad mini with Retina display is set to become available later this month. The company elects to not detail sales figures on specific product models, citing competitive reasons.
After the iPad Air went on sale last Friday, analyst Brian White of Cantor Fitzgerald polled 106 buyers at Apple retail stores in New York City. Among those early adopters, 73 percent were upgrading from older iPad models, while the remaining customers were new to Apple's iPad platform.
The biggest portion of iPad Air upgraders were those who previously owned an iPad 2, representing 31 percent of respondents. Another 18 percent of those polled were transitioning from the third-generation iPad, while 16 percent had owned the first-generation iPad.
White's poll also found that most day-one buyers -- 64 percent --?preferred the white and silver model over space gray. The entry-level 16-gigabyte capacity also proved to be most popular, with 60 percent of respondents indicating it was their purchase.
Interestingly, White's survey also found strong demand for Apple's recently discounted first-generation iPad mini, which is now available for $299.
Separately, mobile analytics research firm Fiksu has been tracking online usage data of the iPad Air since it went on sale last Friday. They found that usage of the iPad Air is significantly higher than that of the fourth-generation iPad after the same amount of time last year.
After three days of availability, the iPad Air represents 0.74 percent of all active iPads tracked by Fiksu. In contrast, at the same point last year, the fourth-generation iPad was at just 0.15 percent.
The data comes paints a picture of a launch weekend from which Apple has apparently declined to give specific sales data. In contrast, last year Apple debuted both the iPad mini and fourth-generation iPad on the same day, and announced they both reached 3 million units with both devices in their first three days.
Apple's silence likely stems from the fact that this year the iPad Air launched alone, while the second-generation iPad mini with Retina display is set to become available later this month. The company elects to not detail sales figures on specific product models, citing competitive reasons.
Comments
Mmm... The new iPad has 3+ times larger percentage of a larger population -- this year's population includes the iPad 4 and iPad Mini from last year.
I wouldn't know, but asking Google isn't helping ¡
But if you Google for 'pictures of space and nebula' you'll get very similar pictures to see. I just wouldn't put that many folders on the springboard.
Went to the local Apple Store over the weekend to see and handle the iPad Air. It is shockingly light compared to all previous iterations; it feels very nice in one or two hands. Really, until you handle one yourself, you won't truly appreciate how losing those few ounces makes such a difference. Nicely done, Apple.
That said, I still have some problems with IOS 7 -- icons, symbols, color choices, fonts. The animations are needless.
The white one will be the one I get...To me, it looks the best when coupled with the pastel colors of iOS7.
iOS6:- The black iPad/iPhones looked best, but who uses iOS6 anymore?
I've always been partial to the white devices...starting with my original iBook. Progressed to the orig. intel 20" iMac (which is still running, going 8 years, I think), then an orig. intel white MacBook and a white iPhone 3GS.
I found the Dell's/HP's/Sony's blue/gray plasticky laptops horrible in comparison. Not to mention the beige desktops. Ugh! The Apple white looked so fresh and inviting. It's a joy to sit down and get to work on them!
Still can't bring myself to get a white iOS device. I just don't like the contrast to dark content. Even though the OS and UI are more suited to white..
Picked up a 32 GB Space Grey w/ AT&T. Should be getting it today.
AT&T Next served me well here...I paid $40 dollars for sales tax up front. On my monthly bill will go $46 total...36 for the iPad monthly payment, and 10 to add it to my Mobile Share plan. Great deal. I would not have paid $770 (incl.tax) + $10 monthly for this right now....but $46 monthly, with the option of upgrading next year....hell yea.
Excited for the performance benefits. My 2 year old has basically commandeered my iPad 3, and has been mostly reconfigured for his usage, so this will be like getting an iPad for the first time in a long time.
I find iOs7 looks best on a white iPad and black iPhone. It was dizzying on my white iPhone 4S before I purchased and saw it on my new space grey iPhone 5s.
Went to the local Apple Store over the weekend to see and handle the iPad Air. It is shockingly light compared to all previous iterations; it feels very nice in one or two hands. Really, until you handle one yourself, you won't truly appreciate how losing those few ounces makes such a difference. Nicely done, Apple.
That said, I still have some problems with IOS 7 -- icons, symbols, color choices, fonts. The animations are needless.
Haven't been to Apple yet....do any stores have iPad mini w/ Retina Display on display?
He collected enough data to be be statistically significant.
As a current iPad 2 owner, I wish the iPad had support for a stylus. It really strikes me as a deal breaker. However, I am hesitant to get a Samsung Note 10.1.
I will just wait to see what Apple has in store for the future or what my job will require as more useful.
I dont know about anyone else, but when I have google news open along with ~6 other tabs in safari;the the site stutters horrible when I try to scroll. IMO its all these damn ads. Hopefully the better wirfi and new processor can speed things up.
I have presently have the verizon pay 20 per month only if you use it plan. I don't think they still have that. But I might be able to grandfather into it.
Or I might check out the ATT 5 or 25 plan. for my ipad which is not out in the wild often, but when it is, I enjoy having the cellular data... the ATT $25 for 1 GB sounds about right.
Just don't want to muck up my ATT grandfathered iphone unlimited plan. Although the ATT dirty dogs started charging more for 'LTE service' on my 5S... sigh.
As a current iPad 2 owner, I wish the iPad had support for a stylus. It really strikes me as a deal breaker. However, I am hesitant to get a Samsung Note 10.1.
I will just wait to see what Apple has in store for the future or what my job will require as more useful.
I don't see why iOS wouldn't *support* a stylus. If you're one of the few people who would benefit from one, you're welcome to find one on your own, it's just that Apple has decided most people won't care, so they don't sell one as a default.
Haven't been to Apple yet....do any stores have iPad mini w/ Retina Display on display?
Haven't seen any at my location, either at the Apple Store or Best Buy.
Have a look at this:
http://www.macworld.com/article/2059210/jot-script-review-adonits-first-pen-nib-stylus-is-an-impressive-entry.html
Depends on what is meant by stylus.
there are all kinds of stylus's for the iPad. My Dad uses it instead of his finger and loves it. Its much easier to select due to his age and hands shaking a bit.
however, if you are talking pressure sensing stylus... for artsy fartsy types(just kidding) thats another animal.
Mini retina not on display at 3 different Apple stores in Los Angeles area. New space gray mini is.... Air is amazing, fighting every impulse to not buy one on the spot until I compare it to retina mini.
My mind was made up. Bought iPad Air with 128 GB in black. Love it! I was all gung ho on the ret mini until I tried the Air and compared it to non retina mini. Air is almost as light as mini with a third more screen real estate. My first iPad and glad I waited.
Apple going out off its way to prevent buyers comparing the two models side by side. But I did, crossing the store on several occasions, and I know that the Retina mini would leave me feeling "meh" compared to the Air. Have to compliment Apple for turning my mind around.
Choosing the "Reduce Motion" and "Bold Text" options in Accessibility might assuage some of your gripes. I like the animations but found them too slow, so I use Reduce Motion to change the zooms to a simple cross fade.