In possible last gasp for iPad mini, Apple increases capacity to 128GB for $399
In a move potentially intended to push buyers to the budget-priced $329 iPad, Apple on Tuesday gave a minor update to the iPad mini 4, discontinuing 32-gigabyte models in favor of a single 128-gigabyte storage option with a hefty $399 entry price.
A Wi-Fi-only version costs $399, while adding cellular raises the price to $529. The amounts are identical to what Apple was previously charging for less storage.
Apple has otherwise left the tablets unchanged, including the same silver, gold, and space gray color options, as well as the aging A8 processor.
The company appears to be steering people towards its new 9.7-inch budget iPad, which goes on sale March 24 with a faster A9 processor. That product is available for as little as $329, albeit with only 32 gigabytes. Bumping storage to 128 gigabytes raises the cost to at least $429.
Apple has generally neglected the iPad mini line in recent years, perhaps most infamously with the Mini 3, which was essentially a Mini 2 with Touch ID, new storage tiers, and a gold color option.
The iPad mini 4 was originally released in Sept. 2015, and did make some more substantial upgrades including an A8 processor, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, an extra gigabyte of RAM, and a thinner body. It was still much less powerful than the 12.9-inch iPad Pro launched around the same time, which for example had an A9X chip.
A Wi-Fi-only version costs $399, while adding cellular raises the price to $529. The amounts are identical to what Apple was previously charging for less storage.
Apple has otherwise left the tablets unchanged, including the same silver, gold, and space gray color options, as well as the aging A8 processor.
The company appears to be steering people towards its new 9.7-inch budget iPad, which goes on sale March 24 with a faster A9 processor. That product is available for as little as $329, albeit with only 32 gigabytes. Bumping storage to 128 gigabytes raises the cost to at least $429.
Apple has generally neglected the iPad mini line in recent years, perhaps most infamously with the Mini 3, which was essentially a Mini 2 with Touch ID, new storage tiers, and a gold color option.
The iPad mini 4 was originally released in Sept. 2015, and did make some more substantial upgrades including an A8 processor, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, an extra gigabyte of RAM, and a thinner body. It was still much less powerful than the 12.9-inch iPad Pro launched around the same time, which for example had an A9X chip.
Comments
The iPad Mini might not be a huge seller, but my impression is that kids (and perhaps small-handed people of all ages) really like the iPad Mini.
For a company that has used "ecosystem" as the metaphor for its business model, they might want to think more carefully about the unintended consequences of mass extinctions.
Ideally, a pro version with pencil and perhaps haptic screen like iPhone 7.
Sigh, keep on hoping.
I would have thought keeping it as a cheap, entry level iPad would have worked. I don't agree with Sog35 above that it would cannibalise sales of iPhone Plus for the simple fact it doesn't make telephone calls!
If the margins are too low, raise the price. That's not complicated.
If you're right, then that means a core part of what makes Apple has changed, and in a way that I don't think is good.
Didn't Tim Cook himself say he's not worried about cannibalisation?
In fact I find Apples attitude towards memory size hypocritical; hanging on far too long to 16GB to make the iPhone financially appealing while simultaneously strangling it and yet here they are increasing memory on the iPad to gouge the customer for more money when it's not actually required on an entry level device.
They should have given it a decent upgrade at an attractive price and they really should stop playing games with the storage options.
The two things work together perfectly.
Maybe if Apple comes out with a phone that is 4:3 and not a (IMHO) stupid 16:9 or whatever then it might be time to replace it.
I am not alone in using an iPad this way.
IT is a perfect entry level device. Companies are not averse to giving up some margin to get people on board with their product line.
but hey, this is just my worthless opinion which clearly does not count.
You completely miss the point. They are two different product categories that are mostly dissimilar. I have several iPad minis and an iPhone 7. The screen on the mini is much larger than even the iPhone + and a different aspect ratio.
However, the biggest problem is the iPhone is a much more expensive option with a smaller screen and a required monthly fee. If all a person wants is a portable tablet the mini cannot be beat for many. Many choose a mini or nothing from Apple. Why drive people away when it's no big deal for them to continue the line. It's not always the profit first, second and to infinity. Sometimes you take a little less to keep customers happy.