The mini would be very, very attractive at $299 compared to $249 Android tablets. The psychological barrier of $3xx might be significant. The high-end Retina version would still eat at Android tab revenues and compensate Apple with profits that might be lost on the $299 mini.
Nope, $100 is WAAAY to slim of a difference between iPad & iPad mini w/ retina display. Never happen.
There is a reason why the iPad mini is $329. Actually, several dozen very good reasons. That's not going to change.
I can't wait to see the BS excuses when there isn't a retina Mini (because Apple has no intention to release one any time soon)
Or perhaps we'll just get a mass explosion of heads and be done with the analysts once and for all
I've thought all along that the mini would not get a Retina display and that there was also absolutely no reason for it either. People bought the mini over the last 12 months....they didn't care about the lack of Retina display....in fact a good 90% wouldn't even know what that meant. Mini buyers are average consumers in the majority. The slim, slim minority of mini buyers are Apple geeks that want everything. Even slimmer minority are Apple geeks that think they need a smaller iPad than the one they already had.
Its all about Price with the mini. Size is second. People want iPad, can't afford $499, but can afford $329, BANG, sale is made. The occasional person that can afford $499 but actually WANTS 7.9 instead of 9.7 will slip in as well...but they are not a metric. They are an assumption, that doesn't play into the market in a significant way.
iPad mini very well may not even get a Retina display, because it doesn't need one to sell. When it sells because of its price, it doesn't matter what else you bake in at the same price.
Adding Retina and raising the price would be by the stupidest thing Apple has ever done and would utterly sink the mini.
iPad 5 will sell better with mini remaining as is, with minor spec bumps. That means more $ for Apple.
I wonder if they used the iPhone 5S launch as an experiment to test the economy's health to see if it is game for a flagship year. The iPhone 5S exceeded their expectations, and I bet they now feel 100% confident in their redesigned iPad 5 with its slick colors and A7 64-bit / Touch ID offering.
I think the old mini becomes $279-299. But if they do retina and A7 (and possibly a fingerprint)- I'd fully expect a jump in price.
While The iPad 3 didn't go up in price, it also only changed from A5 to A5X. You're talking with the mini to go from A5 to A7/A7X. If that happens- I'm all for $349-399
If a retina mini gets the same specs as the 5th gen (which I think it should) then I have no problem with a price increase. But that would have to go with a price reduction on the current mini. Add A6 to the current mini and drop the price to $279-$299.
If a retina mini gets the same specs as the 5th gen (which I think it should) then I have no problem with a price increase. But that would have to go with a price reduction on the current mini. Add A6 to the current mini and drop the price to $279-$299.
If they add the A6- I'd see the price staying at $329. If anything- they'd keep the A5 mini as-is and drop the price.
Really, it's all speculation- I wouldn't be surprised by anything at this point.
I wouldn't be surprised if the standard iPad mini also came in one finish (black) or even follow the iPhone's lead with colored cases for kids. I do think they will DROP the price of the standard mini heading into the holiday season, but maintain their brand with a higher-end iPad mini.
I've thought all along that the mini would not get a Retina display and that there was also absolutely no reason for it either. People bought the mini over the last 12 months....they didn't care about the lack of Retina display....in fact a good 90% wouldn't even know what that meant. Mini buyers are average consumers in the majority. The slim, slim minority of mini buyers are Apple geeks that want everything. Even slimmer minority are Apple geeks that think they need a smaller iPad than the one they already had.
Its all about Price with the mini. Size is second. People want iPad, can't afford $499, but can afford $329, BANG, sale is made. The occasional person that can afford $499 but actually WANTS 7.9 instead of 9.7 will slip in as well...but they are not a metric. They are an assumption, that doesn't play into the market in a significant way.
iPad mini very well may not even get a Retina display, because it doesn't need one to sell. When it sells because of its price, it doesn't matter what else you bake in at the same price.
Adding Retina and raising the price would be by the stupidest thing Apple has ever done and would utterly sink the mini.
iPad 5 will sell better with mini remaining as is, with minor spec bumps. That means more $ for Apple.
I wonder if they used the iPhone 5S launch as an experiment to test the economy's health to see if it is game for a flagship year. The iPhone 5S exceeded their expectations, and I bet they now feel 100% confident in their redesigned iPad 5 with its slick colors and A7 64-bit / Touch ID offering.
No, the dumbest thing for Apple to do is rest on their laurels. And continuing to sell the mini without retina at $329 is disaster. For one thing, iOS 7 was absolutely designed with retina displays in mind. It looks so much better on a retina display. Second, the mini would be the only iDevice Apple sells without a retina display. Eventually customers will ask how come an iPod touch can have a retina display but not an iPad mini? And if the 5th gen iPad gets the mini form factor (ie.e thinner and lighter) people will ask why it's possible to do so on the full size and not on the mini. Oh and how come Amazon and Asus don't seem to have a problem fitting a retina like display in a 7" form factor (and for a lot cheaper too). What you're suggesting is pure arrogance.
IMO the deciding factor on a retina mini is battery life. If Apple has found a way to get 9-10 hours battery life then its a go. If battery life was compromised to where they're only getting 7-8 hours then its probably a no go.
If a retina mini gets the same specs as the 5th gen (which I think it should) then I have no problem with a price increase. But that would have to go with a price reduction on the current mini. Add A6 to the current mini and drop the price to $279-$299.
Nope. Can't happen. People with no concept of component cost, Apple's margin, or market strategies can make up any combination they want...it doesn't make them options.
Here are some cold hard facts to keep in mind when speculating wildly.
1) The iPad mini doesn't need a Retina display at all in order to sell to its target market.
2) The iPad mini cannot could not would not will not receive an A7 processor at the same time as the more expensive iPad. It's just not possible. Everyone should fully expect the second generation iPad mini to sport an A6.
3) The worst thing that could happen to the iPad mini is for its price to change in any direction. More expensive for second generation would doom it. Less expensive for first generation if they kept it in the lineup would doom Apple, as there is no wiggle room for acceptable margin. Think about it: $50 reduction would be negligible to the consumer, $100 would be far far far too extreme for Apple's considerations.
That leaves you with only a few possibilities to reasonably speculate on. The most logical of which turn out to be
iPads for 2013/2014
iPad - $499 - A7-64bit, Touch ID, improved other specs.
iPad mini - $329 - A6X, Retina Display, improved other specs.
And even so, I still have doubts about whether or not the A6X will just be an A6 without the quad core graphics, because there is no Retina display.
Nope. Can't happen. People with no concept of component cost, Apple's margin, or market strategies can make up any combination they want...it doesn't make them options.
Here are some cold hard facts to keep in mind when speculating wildly.
1) The iPad mini doesn't need a Retina display at all in order to sell to its target market.
2) The iPad mini cannot could not would not will not receive an A7 processor at the same time as the more expensive iPad. It's just not possible. Everyone should fully expect the second generation iPad mini to sport an A6.
3) The worst thing that could happen to the iPad mini is for its price to change in any direction. More expensive for second generation would doom it. Less expensive for first generation if they kept it in the lineup would doom Apple, as there is no wiggle room for acceptable margin. Think about it: $50 reduction would be negligible to the consumer, $100 would be far far far too extreme for Apple's considerations.
That leaves you with only a few possibilities to reasonably speculate on. The most logical of which turn out to be
iPads for 2013/2014
iPad - $499 - A7-64bit, Touch ID, improved other specs.
iPad mini - $329 - A6X, Retina Display, improved other specs.
And even so, I still have doubts about whether or not the A6X will just be an A6 without the quad core graphics, because there is no Retina display.
Contradict yourself much? Or do you have a direct in-road to Apple's margins, market strategies, and component costs?
Yo can either speculate based on nothing intelligent whatsoever....or you can rule out the impossible first...and then whatever you're left with is the truth.
Yo can either speculate based on nothing intelligent whatsoever....or you can rule out the impossible first...and then whatever you're left with is the truth.
No matter how much you might like or not like it.
Next Tuesday we'll see. In the meantime- while I clearly said I was speculating- you clearly state "can't happen" "You're wrong" "Will never happen" "won't happen". And plenty other definitive statements. You, sir, have backed yourself into a corner.
But, of course, with your insider knowledge to Apple's marketing strategies, margins, and component costs- we should all listen to you vs anyone else.
Is this the same analyst that predicted the 5c would outsell the 5s?
Talk to me in a year when the early adopter rush for the 's' has passed and the 'c' has had a full year to establish itself as a bit of a cost saver for people who don't need the specific features of the 's'
Next Tuesday we'll see. In the meantime- while I clearly said I was speculating- you clearly state "can't happen" "You're wrong" "Will never happen" "won't happen". And plenty other definitive statements. You, sir, have backed yourself into a corner.
But, of course, with your insider knowledge to Apple's marketing strategies, margins, and component costs- we should all listen to you vs anyone else.
You shouldn't have to listen to me....you should be able to come to the same conclusion if you include A) Fact and Logic into your own reasoning.
When you don't do that, you come up with impossible scenarios. Like the iPad mini going up in price no matter what Apple were to add to it. Or the iPad mini getting the same processor and tent pole features of the much more expensive flagship iPad.
Those are impossible scenarios, and any speculation that includes them is not well thought out at all, and not worth acknowledging in the same light as scenarios that are.
The phrase "anything can happen" really does not apply to Apple product launches. There is only one scenario that will happen, and there are slight variances on that scenario that are possible. Slight.
Although, some might not consider the distinction between the mini getting vs. not getting a Retina Display "slight"...but I would. It would not affect the overall outcome at all, therefor it is slight.
Comments
I'd like to see:
iPad 499
iPad mini 299
iPad mini Retina 399
The mini would be very, very attractive at $299 compared to $249 Android tablets. The psychological barrier of $3xx might be significant. The high-end Retina version would still eat at Android tab revenues and compensate Apple with profits that might be lost on the $299 mini.
Nope, $100 is WAAAY to slim of a difference between iPad & iPad mini w/ retina display. Never happen.
There is a reason why the iPad mini is $329. Actually, several dozen very good reasons. That's not going to change.
I can't wait to see the BS excuses when there isn't a retina Mini (because Apple has no intention to release one any time soon)
Or perhaps we'll just get a mass explosion of heads and be done with the analysts once and for all
I've thought all along that the mini would not get a Retina display and that there was also absolutely no reason for it either. People bought the mini over the last 12 months....they didn't care about the lack of Retina display....in fact a good 90% wouldn't even know what that meant. Mini buyers are average consumers in the majority. The slim, slim minority of mini buyers are Apple geeks that want everything. Even slimmer minority are Apple geeks that think they need a smaller iPad than the one they already had.
Its all about Price with the mini. Size is second. People want iPad, can't afford $499, but can afford $329, BANG, sale is made. The occasional person that can afford $499 but actually WANTS 7.9 instead of 9.7 will slip in as well...but they are not a metric. They are an assumption, that doesn't play into the market in a significant way.
iPad mini very well may not even get a Retina display, because it doesn't need one to sell. When it sells because of its price, it doesn't matter what else you bake in at the same price.
Adding Retina and raising the price would be by the stupidest thing Apple has ever done and would utterly sink the mini.
iPad 5 will sell better with mini remaining as is, with minor spec bumps. That means more $ for Apple.
I wonder if they used the iPhone 5S launch as an experiment to test the economy's health to see if it is game for a flagship year. The iPhone 5S exceeded their expectations, and I bet they now feel 100% confident in their redesigned iPad 5 with its slick colors and A7 64-bit / Touch ID offering.
That would be cool. Besides, Apple hasn't even announced new iPads. Also never introduced to models simultaneously for that matter.
If a retina mini gets the same specs as the 5th gen (which I think it should) then I have no problem with a price increase. But that would have to go with a price reduction on the current mini. Add A6 to the current mini and drop the price to $279-$299.
If they add the A6- I'd see the price staying at $329. If anything- they'd keep the A5 mini as-is and drop the price.
Really, it's all speculation- I wouldn't be surprised by anything at this point.
I think we will see this price structure:
iPad: $499
iPad mini w Retina: $399
iPad mini without Retina: $299.
I wouldn't be surprised if the standard iPad mini also came in one finish (black) or even follow the iPhone's lead with colored cases for kids. I do think they will DROP the price of the standard mini heading into the holiday season, but maintain their brand with a higher-end iPad mini.
No, the dumbest thing for Apple to do is rest on their laurels. And continuing to sell the mini without retina at $329 is disaster. For one thing, iOS 7 was absolutely designed with retina displays in mind. It looks so much better on a retina display. Second, the mini would be the only iDevice Apple sells without a retina display. Eventually customers will ask how come an iPod touch can have a retina display but not an iPad mini? And if the 5th gen iPad gets the mini form factor (ie.e thinner and lighter) people will ask why it's possible to do so on the full size and not on the mini. Oh and how come Amazon and Asus don't seem to have a problem fitting a retina like display in a 7" form factor (and for a lot cheaper too). What you're suggesting is pure arrogance.
IMO the deciding factor on a retina mini is battery life. If Apple has found a way to get 9-10 hours battery life then its a go. If battery life was compromised to where they're only getting 7-8 hours then its probably a no go.
If a retina mini gets the same specs as the 5th gen (which I think it should) then I have no problem with a price increase. But that would have to go with a price reduction on the current mini. Add A6 to the current mini and drop the price to $279-$299.
Nope. Can't happen. People with no concept of component cost, Apple's margin, or market strategies can make up any combination they want...it doesn't make them options.
Here are some cold hard facts to keep in mind when speculating wildly.
1) The iPad mini doesn't need a Retina display at all in order to sell to its target market.
2) The iPad mini cannot could not would not will not receive an A7 processor at the same time as the more expensive iPad. It's just not possible. Everyone should fully expect the second generation iPad mini to sport an A6.
3) The worst thing that could happen to the iPad mini is for its price to change in any direction. More expensive for second generation would doom it. Less expensive for first generation if they kept it in the lineup would doom Apple, as there is no wiggle room for acceptable margin. Think about it: $50 reduction would be negligible to the consumer, $100 would be far far far too extreme for Apple's considerations.
That leaves you with only a few possibilities to reasonably speculate on. The most logical of which turn out to be
iPads for 2013/2014
iPad - $499 - A7-64bit, Touch ID, improved other specs.
iPad mini - $329 - A6X, Retina Display, improved other specs.
And even so, I still have doubts about whether or not the A6X will just be an A6 without the quad core graphics, because there is no Retina display.
Really? Is the A6 that much more expensive to produce?
Tell that to the iPad 2 and iPod Touch.
Nope. Can't happen. People with no concept of component cost, Apple's margin, or market strategies can make up any combination they want...it doesn't make them options.
Here are some cold hard facts to keep in mind when speculating wildly.
1) The iPad mini doesn't need a Retina display at all in order to sell to its target market.
2) The iPad mini cannot could not would not will not receive an A7 processor at the same time as the more expensive iPad. It's just not possible. Everyone should fully expect the second generation iPad mini to sport an A6.
3) The worst thing that could happen to the iPad mini is for its price to change in any direction. More expensive for second generation would doom it. Less expensive for first generation if they kept it in the lineup would doom Apple, as there is no wiggle room for acceptable margin. Think about it: $50 reduction would be negligible to the consumer, $100 would be far far far too extreme for Apple's considerations.
That leaves you with only a few possibilities to reasonably speculate on. The most logical of which turn out to be
iPads for 2013/2014
iPad - $499 - A7-64bit, Touch ID, improved other specs.
iPad mini - $329 - A6X, Retina Display, improved other specs.
And even so, I still have doubts about whether or not the A6X will just be an A6 without the quad core graphics, because there is no Retina display.
Contradict yourself much? Or do you have a direct in-road to Apple's margins, market strategies, and component costs?
No, the dumbest thing for Apple to do is rest on their laurels. And continuing to sell the mini without retina at $329 is disaster.
Based on what? What is it about iPad mini's sales that qualifies you to make such a ridiculous statement?
You're wrong, of course, based on both data and logic.
Contradict yourself much?
Read much?
Yo can either speculate based on nothing intelligent whatsoever....or you can rule out the impossible first...and then whatever you're left with is the truth.
No matter how much you might like or not like it.
Read much?
Yo can either speculate based on nothing intelligent whatsoever....or you can rule out the impossible first...and then whatever you're left with is the truth.
No matter how much you might like or not like it.
Next Tuesday we'll see. In the meantime- while I clearly said I was speculating- you clearly state "can't happen" "You're wrong" "Will never happen" "won't happen". And plenty other definitive statements. You, sir, have backed yourself into a corner.
But, of course, with your insider knowledge to Apple's marketing strategies, margins, and component costs- we should all listen to you vs anyone else.
Is this the same analyst that predicted the 5c would outsell the 5s?
Talk to me in a year when the early adopter rush for the 's' has passed and the 'c' has had a full year to establish itself as a bit of a cost saver for people who don't need the specific features of the 's'
'The plural of "anecdote" is not "data"'.
Not according to various reports I've read. It's just the opposite with the Mini handily outselling it's larger brethren if those reports are true. Maybe a "smaller iPad" was the right size all along.
http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/ipad-mini-outselling-ipad-by-large-margin/
http://ipadinsight.com/ipad-mini/ipad-mini-predicted-to-outsell-ipad-this-year-sounds-right/
http://www.businessinsider.com/ipad-mini-sales-2012-12
Next Tuesday we'll see. In the meantime- while I clearly said I was speculating- you clearly state "can't happen" "You're wrong" "Will never happen" "won't happen". And plenty other definitive statements. You, sir, have backed yourself into a corner.
But, of course, with your insider knowledge to Apple's marketing strategies, margins, and component costs- we should all listen to you vs anyone else.
You shouldn't have to listen to me....you should be able to come to the same conclusion if you include A) Fact and
Logic into your own reasoning.
When you don't do that, you come up with impossible scenarios. Like the iPad mini going up in price no matter what Apple were to add to it. Or the iPad mini getting the same processor and tent pole features of the much more expensive flagship iPad.
Those are impossible scenarios, and any speculation that includes them is not well thought out at all, and not worth acknowledging in the same light as scenarios that are.
The phrase "anything can happen" really does not apply to Apple product launches. There is only one scenario that will happen, and there are slight variances on that scenario that are possible. Slight.
Although, some might not consider the distinction between the mini getting vs. not getting a Retina Display "slight"...but I would. It would not affect the overall outcome at all, therefor it is slight.