Exclusive: 'iPad mini' part numbers reveal Apple plans 12 configurations in two colors
Apple next week is set to launch a new, smaller iPad in 24 different configurations, suggesting four different storage capacities and two color options, AppleInsider has learned.
The full list of presumed "iPad mini" product stock-keeping units, or SKUs, shows a total of 24 varieties. Four different models will be offered ? described as P101, P103, P105 and P107 ? which one person familiar with the inventory said likely signifies four different storage capacities.
The lineup could suggest that Apple plans to introduce an 8-gigabyte model that would serve as an entry-level model for the lower-priced 7.85-inch iPad. Currently, the full-sized iPad does not come with a storage capacity lower than 16 gigabytes.
Each of the four different product descriptions also come with three different distinctions: "GOOD," "BETTER," and "BEST," which could signify Wi-Fi-only, 3G, and 4G LTE models, respectively. Each model is also available in "A" and "B" variants, which likely identify color options of black and white.
One person familiar with Apple's product inventory said the company's initial shipments suggest availability of the presumed entry-level "P101" model will be the greatest at launch. An inventory list that surfaced from a retailer last weekend suggested an entry-level 8-gigabyte model could cost around $249.
The person also added that Apple is rumored to begin selling new iMac desktops on Oct. 24, one day after the anticipated Oct. 23 event. In addition to the iPad mini, Apple is also expected to unveil a new 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display, but no timeframe on its availability was given.
Apple is expected to officially announce its Oct. 23 media event this afternoon. AppleInsider will have full coverage.
The full list of presumed "iPad mini" product stock-keeping units, or SKUs, shows a total of 24 varieties. Four different models will be offered ? described as P101, P103, P105 and P107 ? which one person familiar with the inventory said likely signifies four different storage capacities.
The lineup could suggest that Apple plans to introduce an 8-gigabyte model that would serve as an entry-level model for the lower-priced 7.85-inch iPad. Currently, the full-sized iPad does not come with a storage capacity lower than 16 gigabytes.
Each of the four different product descriptions also come with three different distinctions: "GOOD," "BETTER," and "BEST," which could signify Wi-Fi-only, 3G, and 4G LTE models, respectively. Each model is also available in "A" and "B" variants, which likely identify color options of black and white.
One person familiar with Apple's product inventory said the company's initial shipments suggest availability of the presumed entry-level "P101" model will be the greatest at launch. An inventory list that surfaced from a retailer last weekend suggested an entry-level 8-gigabyte model could cost around $249.
The person also added that Apple is rumored to begin selling new iMac desktops on Oct. 24, one day after the anticipated Oct. 23 event. In addition to the iPad mini, Apple is also expected to unveil a new 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display, but no timeframe on its availability was given.
Apple is expected to officially announce its Oct. 23 media event this afternoon. AppleInsider will have full coverage.
Comments
Quote:
Originally Posted by AppleInsider
Apple is expected to officially announce its Oct. 23 media event this afternoon. AppleInsider will have full coverage.
Full coverage of an email? Wha?
I'll take 2.
I like it. They are covering there butt in case it oversell the regular one. With 2 full sets of ipads at 2 different sizes they giving users a lot more choices.
Is there are just two colors and 3 different capacities that leaves two types within each capacity. That seems to point to a WiFi and 4G LTE variety for two base carriers configurations. 2 carriers x 2 wireless types x 3 capacities x 2 colors = 24 SKUs.
Other 'mobile OS' devices can often get away with such a small capacity as their apps tend to be (much) smaller in size than iOS offerings, but with a mere 7.25 or so user accessible storage on an 8gb iOS device, users will likely quickly become frustrated with running out of space, with no option for exspansion.
We'll See...
Just as an aside comment ... Black and white are not 'colors'. /pedantic
Quote:
Originally Posted by digitalclips
Its all good.
Just as an aside comment ... Black and white are not 'colors'. /pedantic
LOL
If Steve Jobs was still with us,
These would have been coded as
Great, Greater, Greatest
This is the same nonsense that got Apple into trouble in the 90s under Spindler. The product line becomes too diversified and confusing. Jobs first thing back was to simplify
the product line. You do not need all these variants of the ipad mini.
And my damned iPad removed the apostrophe on 'it's' leaving me hanging out there! lol
Quote:
Originally Posted by SolipsismX
I'd think Good, Better, Best refers to storage capacity not to wireless connectivity.
Is there are just two colors and 3 different capacities that leaves two types within each capacity. That seems to point to a WiFi and 4G LTE variety for two base carriers configurations. 2 carriers x 2 wireless types x 3 capacities x 2 colors = 24 SKUs.
what do you mean by 2 carriers?
Ok, how do you simplify ... Two colors, cellular or not and three memory options? Seems pretty simple to me.
You know I gave Rogifan some shit over the absolute requirement that the mini had to have retina...but I didn't expect 24 SKUs. That allows for both a $250 8GB non-retina iPad Mini as well as a top of the line, in your face Google, retina iPad Mini where price is of secondary concern.
But but the carriers only are options on cellular not wifi only ....
This is still a rumor, right? I forget as I scan through the headlines here. :no:
Does anyone know how to work out that IF this iPad was really released, and at the current rumored screen size with a Retina display the same resolution as the 9.7" iPad. Then what would the pixel density (PPI) be?
I sure hope it's not a 1024 x 786. Most smartphones are higher res than this now.
Of course all the MS fanboys are now claiming display doesn't matter on 10" device (since Surface RT display is inferior to iPad).
unless they are releasing a full size "Newer" iPad as well.
Good, better best = 8,16,32 (or 16, 32, 64 for the larger iPad).
A/B refers to Black/White.
101/103 = WiFi only / 4G+ (mini)
105/107 = WiFi only / 4G+ (New-er iPad).