iPad Mini 4 With 128GB of Storage Now Starts at $399 as 32GB Model Discontinued

[NT1440]

Traditionally smaller technology is more expensive, although with a tablet what offsets that is the size of the screen. Of course that's also changed in that the plus iphones are more expensive, but have more features/resolution, etc.

I see some spots where a new model can be introduced, it almost seems like that's what Apple is doing.

Yea this "new" iPad seems to me exactly what the SE is, they've got a glut of components (likely from the deals they've had to make in places like India to source components there) and they are trying to reduce their massive inventory of said components to make way for the actual revamp of the iPad line likely coming later this year. Of course this model will stick around for quite a while (I imagine it's going to be the majority of sales).

 

[melendezest]

Too bad the bump was storage-only.

Still waiting for Apple to reach RAM, Storage, CPU horsepower, and software-feature equilibrium, where the hardware device doesn't progressively choke on newer updates.

Buying older Apple iOS hardware is a foolish proposition, even if they brand it as "new".

Conversely, my 2011 Macs run on Sierra like a champ. They literally don't build them like they used to.

 

[IJ Reilly]

that is completely irrelevant

someone who is looking to just get into the market, with the "cheapest" option doesn't necessary look at the storage options first. they look at price first.

So right now, if you wanted to get the Cheapest 7" iPad, and you don't care about storage, the only option is now $399.

for a price conscientious family for example, who is just looking at the cheapest barrier of entry for buying their kids iPads, the iPad mini is now a terrible option.

Like I said, it used to be important. Not anymore, apparently.

 

[wyarp]

Oh come on Apple you can't even update the chip? The A8 is only a 15% improvement over the A7 compared to the A9 which was a much bigger improvement over the A8. That's nice that you dropped the price but it's just not worth it as an update to the Mini 2. The 128gb cellular model (the one I'd buy) is $530. Cheaper than other iPads for sure, but ridiculous for 2 year old tech. I'd happily spend $800 plus for an updated version, even just a chip bump.

I guess it's time to start researching Samsung tablets.

You do realise that even Apple don't expect you to buy each upgraded product right? Like all manufacturers they release new, higher spec products as they develop them in line with their strategy. They are more open than most manufacturers in that we tend to know every year when the cycle of upgrades will occur. You've have to have more money than sense to buy each version of a particular device. By all means if you Samsung are any better than try them. I assure you they aren't. (and their tablets aren't that great either).

 

[Return Zero]

iPod ?

True, that was also $399 I believe so it's a tie.

 

[ron7624]

Are they looking to discontinue the iPad Mini? At that price point, you might as well spend an extra $30 for the iPad 9.7" update.

Nope, not the purpose of the Mini. I buy the mini for the size. I love the smaller form factor with the capability of the bigger iPad. The tablet actually fits my back pocket and I take it everywhere. (Cargo shorts in Houston, TX heat)
I'm typing this on my current 64gb cellular Mini 4, which is my constant companion. Very sorry the upgrade rumors were false. Although the A8 is still capable, an upgrade would have been super.

 

[bdkennedy1]

I keep waiting for Apple to start taking their consumer complaints seriously, and then they go do this. <mic drop>

 

[Return Zero]

6th Gen iPod Touch with 128GB of storage is the same price, and has the same processor. Only plus side is that the iPad Mini 4 is bigger.

True, so it's a tie... I was thinking that was more expensive for some reason.

 

[potatis]

Which of these still have 1GB working RAM?

Should be none. At least 2GB. Unless they lowered the RAM on the iPad (former Air 2) when they lowered the price.

 

[crzdcolombian]

You think they actually have competition in tablets? Have you actually used an Android tablet lately?

Have you? Only thing apple has is the ecosystem over Samsung. But now with spotify.... who uses iTunes? I am pretty sure they let you just transfer all your stuff as well. Vudu and Ultraviolet is way better and cheaper then iTunes for movies as well. Basically reason to have Apple products is because everything just works so you pay the apple premium. But now they they sell 2+ year old laptops/tablets and give you a GB bump and tell you to get on your knees and blow them for being unworthy peasants.. yea .... time to looking to switch

Sold my Airport extreme once they announced that they won't be making more of them. Got 2 Google Wifis love them. Crazy range. 2 of them are also the price of 1 Airport extreme that is what 3 or 4 years old?

Recently transferred to Tmobile got 4 iPhone 7s because my wife and parents are scared of the whole galaxy thing. Blowing up phone is never good for PR.

The Microsoft Surface pro is a pretty awesome machine and so is the Google Pixel phone. I am the tech guy for my family and it is a bit annoying because if I leave apple every one else has to so I can tell them how to work their stuff. They just don't update their products. I can give 2 ***** about innovation but if Intel has new chips I expect them in my laptop that cost more then 2-3x the dell laptop with the current chip and tech in it.

For laptop I just want a MacBook air with new intel chips and a battery life just as good as my 2013 one when it was released of 12-15 hours. IS that so much to ask. I am not asking for them to make it transform into a toaster/teleport me in time or anything crazy. Just if you want a premium for your Premium computer at least have the most current tech on it. I don't care about retina screen nor touch screen nor that idiotic function key gimmick.

 

[LordVic]

Like I said, it used to be important. Not anymore, apparently.

Why? because Apple tells you it's not?

I bought my nieces iPads for gifts.

if these are the only price points, I wouldn't have. End of story. the storage capacity is irrelevant. Price of entry was.

I truly doubt i'm alone in that. at $399, my nieces would NOT be getting iPads

 

[Xavier]

Nope, not the purpose of the Mini. I buy the mini for the size. I love the smaller form factor with the capability of the bigger iPad. The tablet actually fits my back pocket and I take it everywhere. (Cargo shorts in Houston, TX heat)
I'm typing this on my current 64gb cellular Mini 4, which is my constant companion. Very sorry the upgrade rumors were false. Although the A8 is still capable, an upgrade would have been super.

I agree with you. I bought an iPad Mini 4 because of the size. I think it is the perfect iPad for my needs and a really enjoy using it.

 

[dannys1]

Yes, yes they were.

https://arstechnica.com/apple/2016/...on-retina-macbook-pro-it-sold-for-four-years/

Yes. Yes they were.

Sorry, my bad - I thought he was making a silly quip about the 2015 rMBP never being updated because not changing the chassis didn't count as an update. As you were...

 

[Cwolk]

Anyone else have mixed feelings on simply the name "iPad" for their new entry level model? I like it, but this is going to add more confusion to the 9.7 inch iPad lineup.

Here's the generation list for the 9.7 inch iPad, depending on how you classify it:

iPad (1st gen)
iPad 2 (2nd gen)
iPad (3rd gen)
iPad (4th gen)
iPad Air (either 1st or 5th gen)
iPad Air 2 (either 2nd or 6th gen)
iPad Pro 9.7 inch (either 1st or 7th gen)
iPad (???)

 

[va1984]

I guess it's time to start researching Samsung tablets.

Enjoy. You can get a fire extinguisher on Amazon.com for about $30.

 

[bradl]

Too bad the bump was storage-only.

Still waiting for Apple to reach RAM, Storage, CPU horsepower, and software-feature equilibrium, where the hardware device doesn't progressively choke on newer updates.

Buying older Apple iOS hardware is a foolish proposition, even if they brand it as "new".

Conversely, my 2011 Macs run on Sierra like a champ. They literally don't build them like they used to.

That depends on where you are coming from.

I had no choice but to "upgrade", as I was still running on a 16GB original iPad Mini, which not only got discontinued a couple of years ago, but isn't capable of running iOS 10, effectively being dropped of all support.

My point is that without knowing where someone is coming from, you really can't judge or tell what is an "upgrade" or not; it is all relative to the person and the device they were previously using.

Regardless, I still bought my 128GB iPad Mini 4 cheaper than the price they just dropped it to. Bought it at the beginning of December for $325 with free shipping.

BL.

 

[Cloudkicker]

You think they actually have competition in tablets? Have you actually used an Android tablet lately?

I think you have some nerve saying that.

When it seems like most here bemoan iOS for iPad as "a big iPhone (w/out phone)" that doesn't utilize the big space & specialized apps for it.

The blinders w/in the walled garden is stunning to objective sorts. If you're happy w/ iOS for iPad, then have at it.

If all Android tablets were $78 el cheapo RCA tablets you get at "door buster" sales, fine. To liken the Galaxy Tab S to them is misguided at best.

 

[burgman]

Oh come on Apple you can't even update the chip? The A8 is only a 15% improvement over the A7 compared to the A9 which was a much bigger improvement over the A8. That's nice that you dropped the price but it's just not worth it as an update to the Mini 2. The 128gb cellular model (the one I'd buy) is $530. Cheaper than other iPads for sure, but ridiculous for 2 year old tech. I'd happily spend $800 plus for an updated version, even just a chip bump.

I guess it's time to start researching Samsung tablets.

Bye...
[doublepost=1490117744][/doublepost]

I think you have some nerve saying that.

When it seems like most here bemoan iOS for iPad as "a big iPhone (w/out phone)" that doesn't utilize the big space & specialized apps for it.

The blinders w/in the walled garden is stunning to objective sorts. If you're happy w/ iOS for iPad, then have at it.

If all Android tablets were $78 el cheapo RCA tablets you get at "door buster" sales, fine. To liken the Galaxy Tab S to them is misguided at best.

Android tablets are selling so well, tablet makers are flocking to make new models...Oh wait.

 

[gpspad]

I think I saw this coming. I have been on the prowl for an iPad mini 4 on sale since black friday, but this time I wanted 128GB and LTE for traveling. There were a few sales here an there, but all the usual sources who might have these on sale were out of stock since January, oddly they all had "backordered, will be back in stock soon".

So Im not surprised to see the iPad mini 4 still around since the retailers were expecting new stock to come in and for the price I was looking to buy it for onsale. I might try to be patient and grab a refurbished one from the apple store now that the normal price came down.

i have to be honest disappointed no announcement of a 10" iPad pro, that will probably be my next full size iPad purchase.

 

[Cloudkicker]

Enjoy. You can get a fire extinguisher on Amazon.com for about $30.

Is there a thumbs down option here?

 

[MyopicPaideia]

Person walks into a store...
Sees a big iPad for $329
Seems a smaller iPad for $399, with a slower processor, but with 4x the storage...

That seems confusing

Also disappointing as I'm a huge fan of the mini form factor. Hopefully this is just to make room for the "Pro" lineup with 7.9,10.5,12.9

Yup.

Everything seems to be pointing to a 3 pronged Pro release of the iPad later. The only weird thing is that they didn't rename the iPad mini 4 simply "iPad mini" now that the 9.7" non-Pro iPad is just "iPad."

Maybe it's because the model identifier is still the same. Anyone able to find out what the model identifier is the the new 9.7" iPad? Is it 7.3 for wifi and 7.4 for LTE??

 

[canyonblue737]

Sounds like this is probably the end of the road for the iPad mini. I can see Apple keeping it around for a while for those who really love the product, kind of like they did with the old iPod classic. But, I doubt the mini will receive another substantial update in the future.

nah, this is THE product for young kids these days (not the iPod touch anymore) and bridges them till they can get on the iPhone bandwagon. Apple knows parents are price sensitive to an extent for little Jimmy's iPad but need the storage for all his videos so voila... you get 2 year old chips with a lot more memory. Eventually when the A8 is so dog slow it can't run modern iOS software they will throw an A9 or A10 in there (which will be old by that time) and keep the cycle going. the mini won't ever disappear but it will be a money maker doing what the majority use it for... kids or a fancy Kindle reader.

 

[Cloudkicker]

Android tablets are selling so well, tablet makers are flocking to make new models...Oh wait.

Would you like to see the near-flatline sales graph of iPads in comparison w/ all other Apple products? I've seen it here at MR lately.

 

[psac]

Nope, not the purpose of the Mini. I buy the mini for the size. I love the smaller form factor with the capability of the bigger iPad. The tablet actually fits my back pocket and I take it everywhere. (Cargo shorts in Houston, TX heat)
I'm typing this on my current 64gb cellular Mini 4, which is my constant companion. Very sorry the upgrade rumors were false. Although the A8 is still capable, an upgrade would have been super.

This. I love my mini 2 (formerly known as the "rMini" when I bought it), and I'm still hoping for a Mini Pro. I think I'll be out of luck though. Still hoping though.

 

[ChrisCW11]

iPad Mini 4 == larger iPod Touch. Same internals. You already had the best iPad Mini if you bought an iPod Touch from 2 years ago. Sad.