Apple replaces iPad 2 with 4th-gen iPad, leaves original iPad mini as only non-Retina iOS device
Coming minutes after the 8GB iPhone 5c launched in the UK, Apple on Tuesday officially discontinued the iPad 2, replacing the long-standing entry-level tablet with a 16GB version of the fourth-generation iPad.
The iPad with Retina display (4th gen iPad) replaces the iPad 2 on Apple's "Compare iPad Models" webpage.
Source: Apple
As expected, Apple has finally replaced the venerable iPad 2 with a 16GB version of the fourth-generation iPad, which is now being sold for a starting price of $399 through the Online Apple Store. AppleInsider was first to report on the iPad 2 ramp-down in February.
The change comes after the iPad 2 served for some two years as Apple's entry-level tablet offering after the company introduced the Retina display-packing third-generation tablet and follow-up fourth-generation device. As of this writing, the swap is quickly rippling through Apple's global websites.
Interestingly, by reintroducing the fourth-gen iPad, Apple leaves the first-generation iPad mini as the only non-Retina iOS device in circulation. Also, with the departure of the iPad 2, so goes the second to last product to use Apple's last-generation 30-pin adapter. Aside from the iPhone 4S, which may soon be replaced by the new 8GB iPhone 5c, all current iOS products sport the newer Lightning protocol.
At $399 for Wi-Fi only and $529 for Wi-Fi + Cellular, the fourth-gen iPad is $100 cheaper than the iPad Air and the same price as the iPad mini with Retina display. Both models are available in the usual black and white color schemes.
The iPad with Retina display (4th gen iPad) replaces the iPad 2 on Apple's "Compare iPad Models" webpage.
Source: Apple
As expected, Apple has finally replaced the venerable iPad 2 with a 16GB version of the fourth-generation iPad, which is now being sold for a starting price of $399 through the Online Apple Store. AppleInsider was first to report on the iPad 2 ramp-down in February.
The change comes after the iPad 2 served for some two years as Apple's entry-level tablet offering after the company introduced the Retina display-packing third-generation tablet and follow-up fourth-generation device. As of this writing, the swap is quickly rippling through Apple's global websites.
Interestingly, by reintroducing the fourth-gen iPad, Apple leaves the first-generation iPad mini as the only non-Retina iOS device in circulation. Also, with the departure of the iPad 2, so goes the second to last product to use Apple's last-generation 30-pin adapter. Aside from the iPhone 4S, which may soon be replaced by the new 8GB iPhone 5c, all current iOS products sport the newer Lightning protocol.
At $399 for Wi-Fi only and $529 for Wi-Fi + Cellular, the fourth-gen iPad is $100 cheaper than the iPad Air and the same price as the iPad mini with Retina display. Both models are available in the usual black and white color schemes.
Comments
A much better value proposition for it's customers, the iPad 2 had been around for far too long.
Incorrect. The iPhone 4S is still on sale worldwide, and the iPhone 4 is still available in select markets, and they both use the 30-pin dock connector.
Indeed. The ipad2 at $399 was a rip-off imo
>All current iOS products now sport the newer Lightning protocol.
Incorrect. The iPhone 4S is still on sale worldwide, and the iPhone 4 is still available in select markets, and they both use the 30-pin dock connector.
Note the article about an 8GB iPhone 5c. There's your 4S replacement. UK today, worldwide (almost) tomorrow.
Nice.
Simplifies production.
I hadn't thought of that. But will they? An iPad with a metal-reinforced plastic shell. Perhaps they think it wouldn't be durable enough due to the larger size.
As a person who gets these for schools, this is awesome! Many times the $499 iPad is out of reach price wise, so we always got the iPad 2. Now, for the same price you're getting a really good iPad with a retina display.
It stuck around this long as Apple had enterprise level buying for them for education, meeting center scheduling, medical applications and point of sale systems - based around the old connector hardwired in to the infrastructure and custom uses. Sure it may seem not a big deal for basic/prosumer use cases, but for others it matters. Going forward I doubt older models will stick around as long now.
Indeed. The ipad2 at $399 was a rip-off imo
The iPad2 was available for an extended period just before retirement at a price of $299. A friend recently bought it for $270 new at Walmart (including his employee discount). Not a bad price for the product, IMO.
But the new screen, new connector, new chip, and improved camera in the new iPad 4thGen are worth the extra $100, IMO.
>All current iOS products now sport the newer Lightning protocol.
Incorrect. The iPhone 4S is still on sale worldwide, and the iPhone 4 is still available in select markets, and they both use the 30-pin dock connector.
Did the article get updated since you posted that? when I read it the text was
Which could also be written as "All current iOS products, with the exception of near end of life the iPhone 4S, sport the newer Lighting protocol"
Buying refurbished iPad 2's from Apple.com has been a good deal, around $200.
The iPod classic is another current product that has a 30-pin connector.
Is that an iOS device?
Is that an iOS device?
No, but just trying to be comprehensive about retention of the 30-pin adaptors.
when will apple no longer support them or no further software updates
they work just fine think that since they have been sold till now and to many schools
we still have 1-2 years left
how many years till we must replace
your thoughts