With iPad refresh looming, stock runs low on Apple's older models
Consumers are finding some iPad models difficult to get their hands on, as resellers have begun showing depleted stock ahead of a late March press event at which Apple is widely expected to debut the iPad Air 2's successor.
As indicated in AppleInsider's own price guides, numerous iPad models are on backorder or simply sold out. The iPad Air and Air 2 -- the two devices most likely to be supplanted -- are experiencing the most serious stock outs.
Also affected are older iPad mini versions. While the iPad mini 4 is still in abundant supply, the mini 2 is harder to find.
The supply constraints don't appear to affect Apple's own retail channels, as the majority if iPad models are currently listed as "In Stock" through the company's online store.
Apple is rumored to introduce the so-called iPad Air 3 alongside a new 4-inch iPhone at a press event on March 22. Some reports have suggested that Apple may actually brand it as a smaller iPad Pro, bringing with it support for the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard.
As indicated in AppleInsider's own price guides, numerous iPad models are on backorder or simply sold out. The iPad Air and Air 2 -- the two devices most likely to be supplanted -- are experiencing the most serious stock outs.
Also affected are older iPad mini versions. While the iPad mini 4 is still in abundant supply, the mini 2 is harder to find.
The supply constraints don't appear to affect Apple's own retail channels, as the majority if iPad models are currently listed as "In Stock" through the company's online store.
Apple is rumored to introduce the so-called iPad Air 3 alongside a new 4-inch iPhone at a press event on March 22. Some reports have suggested that Apple may actually brand it as a smaller iPad Pro, bringing with it support for the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard.
Comments
• iPad mini 2: Discontinued
• iPad mini 4: 16GB model will see a price drop.
• iPad Air: Discontinued
• iPad Air 2: Price dropped
• iPad: Air moniker dropped. All of the same features as the Pro; Pencil Support, Smart Connector, A9 clocked @ 2.4GHz, 2GB RAM, and only come with 32GB or 64GB, no 128GB option. Screen size, processor, memory, and storage specs kept lower to differentiate from Pro model.
iPhone...
• iPhone 5s: Discontinued
• iPhone SE: Upgraded iPhone 5s to an A8 SoC and NFC for ApplePay support.
• iPhone 6s mini: 4" variant of the 6s - all the same features.
Mac...
• MacBook Air: Discontinued
• MacBook: current model price dropped, new model released with 2 USB-C ports.
Updated...
Oops, my bad. I meant the iPhone SE updated for ApplePay support, not TouchID.
I hate to break this to you, but the 5s already has TouchID.
• iPad mini 2: Discontinued
• iPad mini 4: 16GB model will see a price drop.
• iPad Air: Discontinued
• iPad Air 2: Price dropped
• iPad: Air moniker dropped. All of the same features as the Pro; Pencil Support, Smart Connector, A9 clocked @ 2.4GHz, 2GB RAM, and only come with 32GB or 64GB, no 128GB option. Screen size, processor, memory, and storage specs kept lower to differentiate from Pro model.
iPhone...
• iPhone 5s: Discontinued
• iPhone SE: Upgraded iPhone 5s to an A8 SoC for TouchID support.
• iPhone 6s mini: 4" variant of the 6s - all the same features.
Mac...
• MacBook Air: Discontinued
• MacBook: current model price dropped, new model released with 2 USB-C ports.
I meant to say ApplePay support ... original post was updated. Thanks.
Apparently you don't get it. It's obviously just a guess. It's based off my belief that after the March event, Apple wants all shipping products on A8 or later.
I couldn't wait for the iPhone6s, so I bought a clear out 5c with only 16gb. IMO 32gb should now be the minimum with iOS devices.
I've been holding off on the MacBook. I like it a lot, but only one USB port is ridiculous!
If they kept the regular Ipad's on the same resolution and didn't change the speakers, just by changing chips to an underclocked A9X with 2G they could make it much much thinner and lighter, maybe 300g and 5mm, which would clearly differentiate it from the pro model which would be the same weight as the current one with beefier specs and the drawing digitizer.
So,
Ipad Air 4, 300g 5mm, A9 clocked higher than in the 6s+ and 2G, otherwise no change (no screen res change is what allows the lower weight). The massive weight drop is the draw here.
Ipad Pro, 430g, 6.1 (same as current), 3Gb memory, a9x a bit underclocked from big Pro, higher resolution screen,
A pro Mini 4, would have a A9, 3Gb of memory with the digitizer.
I think the digitizer is going to be used accross the line as a pro implement; not everyone needs that, some want just the lightest Ipad they can get (like my parents).
Things built in the US also have less tendency to leak than in Asia; the macbook pro I think is made in the US.