Apple Discontinues iPad Mini 2

[MacRumors]

Apple today discontinued the iPad mini 2, which launched in November 2013 and was most recently sold for $269 in the United States. Apple's cheapest tablet is now the new 9.7-inch iPad, which starts at $329, while those preferring the 7.9-inch size can purchase the iPad mini 4 with 128GB of storage for $399.

Apple's tablet lineup has now been narrowed down to the iPad Pro in 9.7-inch and 12.9-inch sizes, a low-cost 9.7-inch iPad, and the iPad mini 4. Rumors suggest Apple is also readying a new 10.5-inch iPad Pro with a narrow bezel design, which could be unveiled at a future Spring event, WWDC 2017, or even later.

Article Link: Apple Discontinues iPad Mini 2

 

[maflynn]

They need to further tighten up their product line, there's still too much overlap.

 

[Michaelgtrusa]

This was coming.

 

[Andres Cantu]

Coming soon: Apple discontinues iPad mini

 

[iapplelove]

The mini is dead. Maybe an even bigger iPhone coming. In a few months parts leaks may verify a bigger iPhone model.

 

[Mad Mac Maniac]

This actually saddens me more than it should for a few reasons.

1) It increases the entry level iPad Price
2) It could signal the end of iPad mini
3) Most importantly (for me!) the iPad mini 2 is my current main iPad. The earlier it's discontinued the earlier it will lose support.

 

[thadoggfather]

It's now mini tax

399 for 128gb mini4

329 for iPad Air 2.5 , even @ 32gb, lol.

 

[BPMCH02]

I just purchased one for my kids with apple care...hopefully it will work out for a few years lol

 

[KPOM]

Coming soon: Apple discontinues iPad mini

If you think about it Steve Jobs was reluctant to release it in the first place. I like the size but perhaps it has been squeezed out by bigger phones.

 

[thadoggfather]

I just purchased one for my kids with apple care...hopefully it will work out for a few years lol

Mini2 is same as 3 minus touchID

Mini4 is a8 that's only a minor processor boost. 2gb makes more of the difference.

You should be somewhat OK. I'd probably slow down on updates or
Maybe even stop though

 

[benji888]

There are all kinds of iPad Mini 2 refurbished models available (ATM), starting at $209 (not that I recommend an A7 device for more than casual use) http://www.apple.com/shop/browse/home/specialdeals/ipad

 

[OldSchoolMacGuy]

They need to further tighten up their product line, there's still too much overlap.

And yet some think they'll add a 10.5" iPad so they'll have the mini, the standard, the 10.5" and the Pro? I don't see it happening.

 

[djcerla]

Lineup looks tidy now. Well done.

 

[OldSchoolMacGuy]

Coming soon: Apple discontinues iPad mini

Doubt it. They still sell plenty of them. They're frequently used for retail systems like Square. Those systems don't need a ton of power as they're not doing a whole lot. Seems to be a great spot for Apple to be and keep the mini around for it.

 

[Internet Enzyme]

Why is the Mini more expensive than the standard iPad now?

The iPad Mini is the only iPad I own and probably ever will. Every iPad since has been a complete joke.

 

[freepomme]

They've got too many of these.

 

[Rigby]

Good riddance. The Mini 2 was woefully outdated with the slow CPU and no Touch ID. They should have kept a lower-tier (say 32GB) version of the Mini 4 at a reduced price (maybe $329 or $299) though to cover the low-cost segment.

 

[extricated]

Less "crowded" product line: The Pros, Standard, and Mini 4.
I like it, but wonder whether they'll keep the mini around. Especially since they didn't drop the "4".

 

[QCassidy352]

Big jump in entry level price, and huge jump in entry price for the cheapest 7.9" iPad. Hard to argue that they should keep selling a 2013 product, but i would have liked seeing a 32gb iPad mini 4 for $299.

 

[rjtyork]

32GB iPad mini for $199 would have stolen my heart.

 

[Dydegu]

They need to further tighten up their product line, there's still too much overlap.

Is this not the first step in tightening up the product line? It seems to me they're copying the MacBook structure, with a regular and a pro model. The return of the "iPad" name signifies that, just like the return of "MacBook" a couple of years ago.

Isn't the iPad Mini being phased out (like the MBA)? Either they'll just abandon that size, or create a smaller "iPad" to fit that role. Larger iPhones also create less of a demand for that size.

 

[DTphonehome]

Hmm. Needed 32-64 GB mini 4s to replace aging mini 1 and 2s my kids use for movies and games. Guess I'll keep checking the refurbished store.

 

[Juicy Box]

I have the iPad Mini 2, and it has horrible lag under iOS 10. It is no wonder they discontinued it.

Much easier to discontinue it, than to fix the OS for it.

 

[BlandUsername]

Hmm. Needed 32-64 GB mini 4s to replace aging mini 1 and 2s my kids use for movies and games. Guess I'll keep checking the refurbished store.

Feel the pain, I don't bother with the ipad mini's in my signature as they went out of support awhile back. I was really looking for a good leap and we got it, we also got a really nice price increase. Refurbed A7's are not really what I was looking for.

 

[nburwell]

RIP Mini 2