iPad iPad mini2 in stores in march or just released?

[WilliamLondon]

You must know something everyone else doesn't or have inside information to be stating that like it is a fact. 🙄

Nope, but I do have logic on my side, and a healthy understanding of business and product strategy and there is of course quite a lot of Apple release history we can review. None of that is any proof of course, and I could be entirely wrong (I freely admit that), but then again, this is a site where we discuss rumours - got any that would suggest a March release?

Apply that same logic to the fall release.

Have you already forgotten me and all our previous conversations? 😕 No worries if you did, post #19 in this thread addresses that (again). 🙂

 

[E.Lizardo]

iPad 4 pics were actually leaked before the launch, not 2 months before but March isn't 2 months away it's less than 1-1/2 months, and more importantly, though, I would say that the iPad 4 was an anomalous release (a minor spec bump motivated not by adequate features to warrant a normal upgrade but by other factors, i.e. mini release & resetting the refresh cycle).

We're back on normal track now with the iPad, so they will release a product which is a significant change toward the end of this year (which is their usual refresh cycle duration), and same goes with the mini and we'll all know when those releases are imminent - it'll be as obvious as it normally is (in this world/forum of rumours), especially considering that it's logical to expect a redesigned iPad 5 with new slimmer mini-like chassis (meaning lots of leaked photos of backs, fronts, prototypes, drawings, dimensions, etc.) and a retina mini (meaning lots of the same leaks). If they stick to an end Summer/beginning of Autumn announce/release, I'd expect lots of rumours to start appearing in the Summer - just like we had last year (remember they were doing roundups of iPad mini rumours in mid-August!).

There's no(credible)evidence for that.

Though it is likely

 

[Samtb]

Apple have done a good job of confusing us by releasing that ipad 4 in November.

 

[WilliamLondon]

There's no(credible)evidence for that.

Though it is likely

I never said there was credible evidence of an end of year release, but I did list a logically based conclusion one can draw (and I'm not the first, and I'm certainly not the most credible to conclude this, but I suppose easiest target?? which is ironic considering the incredible lack of criticism of the thread's title - just sayin'), and if you're going to ding me for not including "in my opinion" I've already covered that. Or are we just splitting hairs here? Oh, FFS!

 

[Samtb]

Why are so many people predicting a March launch anyway? Is it based on that 1 supposed leak back in December?

 

[darngooddesign]

Why are so many people predicting a March launch anyway? Is it based on that 1 supposed leak back in December?

The people who are waiting for better specs are grasping at any straw that means they can purchase sooner rather than later.

 

[Samtb]

What about the analysts? Do they want one too?

 

[ctdonath]

With the mini rumored to be outselling the regular iPad 2 to 1, why would apple make any changes to a winning product?

Because outselling 3 to 1 is even better (assuming an improved net profit).
Because the competition is skating to where that puck will be.
Because it's cheap enough that a lot of current owners would upgrade in a heartbeat.
Because slowing down in an expanding market facing voracious desperate competitors is a losing proposition.

The one glaring flaw in the iPad mini is it's a shrunken iPad 2 instead of a shrunken iPad 3 (or 4). There's no downside to improving it the instant parts costs become feasible.

 

[maflynn]

Because outselling 3 to 1 is even better (assuming an improved net profit).

You're assuming that a more expensive mini (with a retina screen) would generate that much sales.

Because the competition is skating to where that puck will be.

I disagree - the competition is pushing the envelope in a lot of different ways. While not popular the design of the MS surface is evidense of a company willing to take risks. Both the Nexus 7 and the Kindle Fire HD have superior specs. I like the mini and have no regrets but I'm not under any impression that the competition is trying to catch up. I'd say the opposite, Apple needs to really add some features and design aspects. In fact they were very late to the 7" tablet party, other companies were not skating to where the puck was but rather driving the puck

Because it's cheap enough that a lot of current owners would upgrade in a heartbeat.

I'd agree with you if the mini was priced at the Nexus 7 but its over 300 and for me that's a lot of money - too much to spend on another mini after 6 months. Like I said I have no regrets but the consensus is that the mini's price point is exceedingly high.

Because slowing down in an expanding market facing voracious desperate competitors is a losing proposition.

True, but jumping before leaping isn't something that is wise. They took their time before getting into the 7" tablet market. It makes no sense (to me) to replace a product that is wildly popular with another that could potentially be more expensive. Or introduce a competing product that will sap the sales of the first. Just like the mini slowing the sales of the regular iPad a retina iPad mini could impact the sales of the current iPad.

The one glaring flaw in the iPad mini is it's a shrunken iPad 2 instead of a shrunken iPad 3 (or 4). There's no downside to improving it the instant parts costs become feasible.

I agree but apple chose to use the older components for a reason - not sure why. Could be battery, and size constraints. It could be economic reasons, that is using more expensive components would have driven the price even higher to the point where people wouldn't purchase one. I don't know to be honest but it does give them some wiggle room to improve it. Will they after 6+ months of the regular mini. They generally don't operate that way (the iPad 3-> iPad 4 is the exception).

I was lucky, I was able to use a gift card and my company reimburses a portion of my computer purchases otherwise I couldn't have justified the purchase. If the price was even higher it would have been priced out of reach for me.

 

[poloponies]

Why are so many people predicting a March launch anyway? Is it based on that 1 supposed leak back in December?

I suspect the biggest reason would be the gaping hole in Apple's product release schedule for the quarter. While I don't believe there will be a new iPad in March, absence of any new products would mean no new hardware until the second half of the year. On a practical level it means that Apple could have a seriously down quarter without a new release to bolster the quarterly performance. Clearly Apple knows what it's doing but the analysts have to speculate that something will fill the void and the iPad is as good a candidate as any.

 

[Samtb]

I suspect the biggest reason would be the gaping hole in Apple's product release schedule for the quarter. While I don't believe there will be a new iPad in March, absence of any new products would mean no new hardware until the second half of the year. On a practical level it means that Apple could have a seriously down quarter without a new release to bolster the quarterly performance. Clearly Apple knows what it's doing but the analysts have to speculate that something will fill the void and the iPad is as good a candidate as any.

Why not an iphone or MacBook though?

 

[poloponies]

Why not an iphone or MacBook though?

Just because those have been mid-to-late year introductions and the iPad sort of took over the January-March window in recent years. There's clearly no rule and there's room for a new product introduction. Doesn't mean it will happen, but a quarter with no new product of any kind risks a drop in revenue - never a good thing.

 

[Eadfrith]

Is there a display in production that would be suitable for a hypothetical Retina iPad Mini 2 - especially at the kind of quantities that Apple would require?

 

[DesertEagle]

Is there a display in production that would be suitable for a hypothetical Retina iPad Mini 2 - especially at the kind of quantities that Apple would require?

I'm sure there are such displays at the design boards, or some prototypes at most. However, they're not in production (let alone mass production!) as of yet.

 

[itjw]

Hey guys: when they release the 8 core, super retina, 256GB iPad mini in August what do you think it would cost?

I only ask because this thread is about fantasies and not anything based in reality right???

 

[Samtb]

Hey guys: when they release the 8 core, super retina, 256GB iPad mini in August what do you think it would cost?

I only ask because this thread is about fantasies and not anything based in reality right???

There is no reality on a macRUMORS forum. And I don't think the "future product" you mentioned is far off at the rate technology is advancing today. Not this year though.

 

[irDigital0l]

Nope, but I do have logic on my side, and a healthy understanding of business and product strategy and there is of course quite a lot of Apple release history we can review. None of that is any proof of course, and I could be entirely wrong (I freely admit that), but then again, this is a site where we discuss rumours - got any that would suggest a March release?

Apparently your healthy understanding of business and product strategy from reading forums isn't good.

Looks like releasing the iPad in Oct cost Apple sales due to the fact they had supply issues.

http://appleinsider.com/articles/13...sues-affected-apples-holiday-quarter---report

Sharp's cut down on production could mean new iPads (as previous times have shown us)

http://appleinsider.com/articles/13...ns-demand-may-be-shifting-to-apples-ipad-mini

iLounge (which has a great track record) said their sources were pointing to March.

http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/news/comments/next-ipad-ipad-mini-claimed-for-march/

 

[Samtb]

Apparently your healthy understanding of business and product strategy from reading forums isn't good.

Looks like releasing the iPad in Oct cost Apple sales due to the fact they had supply issues.

http://appleinsider.com/articles/13...sues-affected-apples-holiday-quarter---report

Sharp's cut down on production could mean new iPads (as previous times have shown us)

http://appleinsider.com/articles/13...ns-demand-may-be-shifting-to-apples-ipad-mini

iLounge (which has a great track record) said their sources were pointing to March.

http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/news/comments/next-ipad-ipad-mini-claimed-for-march/

Are you referring to the ipad 5 release or mini 2 release or both?

 

[ActionableMango]

Hey guys: when they release the 8 core, super retina, 256GB iPad mini in August what do you think it would cost?

If that's the base model in August 2016 (or whenever), I'd guess it would cost $330.

 

[maxosx]

The competition is pushing the envelope in a lot of different ways. While not popular the design of the MS surface is evidense of a company willing to take risks. Both the Nexus 7 and the Kindle Fire HD have superior specs. I like the mini and have no regrets but I'm not under any impression that the competition is trying to catch up. I'd say the opposite, Apple needs to really add some features and design aspects. In fact they were very late to the 7" tablet party, other companies were not skating to where the puck was but rather driving the puck

I'd call your assessment right on the money. At least from my perspective. I am first and foremost, a huge long time Apple enthusiast, that also likes to stay current with what the competition is up to.

After buying and thoroughly enjoying an iPad 1, I was very eager to own a 7" for it's portability. I resisted the urge to buy a Samsung Tab in the 7" size for a long time. Finally with the release of the Nexus 7 I simply couldn't wait any longer so I bought one, all the while wishing Apple could have filled that desire. Finally the very moment Apple announced the iPad mini I was all over it. Ordering the very instant they came available I'm so glad I did as they still don't have them at my nearby Apple store.

Now having the two to compare side by side I'm very happy with the job that Apple did. While the N7's resolution it's noticeably better, in no way is the mini's resolution a deal breaker or even bothersome in the least. I happen to like them both a lot. On one hand the extra screen size of the mini is a big plus, on the other hand that extra 15 mm in width makes it less comfortable to hold one handed. A trade off that is of little consequence to me. After all every device is a compromise of elements.

I have since purchased three minis for my family members since we are an Apple family, and all on the latest revs of iOS and OS X with our iPhones, iPads, and MBA's / MBP's. When Apple adds the retina display to the mini I will not be buying those, mainly because I find the display on the current model just fine. If the next mini is faster due to a processor upgrade, or includes any other nice features I will simply wait till the current models are about 24 months old, then reassess my choices.

 

[Samtb]

A March release does actually seem possible. Apple have stopped sequential numbers with the ipad a bit like the MacBook range, which sometimes does have very short release cycles. The shortest being 3 months.

 

[Samtb]

iPad 4 pics were actually leaked before the launch, not 2 months before but March isn't 2 months away it's less than 1-1/2 months, and more importantly, though, I would say that the iPad 4 was an anomalous release (a minor spec bump motivated not by adequate features to warrant a normal upgrade but by other factors, i.e. mini release & resetting the refresh cycle).

We're back on normal track now with the iPad, so they will release a product which is a significant change toward the end of this year (which is their usual refresh cycle duration), and same goes with the mini and we'll all know when those releases are imminent - it'll be as obvious as it normally is (in this world/forum of rumours), especially considering that it's logical to expect a redesigned iPad 5 with new slimmer mini-like chassis (meaning lots of leaked photos of backs, fronts, prototypes, drawings, dimensions, etc.) and a retina mini (meaning lots of the same leaks). If they stick to an end Summer/beginning of Autumn announce/release, I'd expect lots of rumours to start appearing in the Summer - just like we had last year (remember they were doing roundups of iPad mini rumours in mid-August!).

https://www.macrumors.com/2013/01/28/first-photos-of-the-ipad-5-rear-shell/

 

[WilliamLondon]

https://www.macrumors.com/2013/01/28/first-photos-of-the-ipad-5-rear-shell/

What do you think that proves?

And consider this story: http://blog.zoogue.com/ipad/exclusive-ipad-nano-images-surface/ which was more than 4 months before the mini was announced, and I don't believe these were the first set of pics leaked.

You know, part of me wants to be very wrong with this - I can't wait to see updates (and big ones not just minor spec bumps) sooner rather than later.

 

[Samtb]

What do you think that proves?

And consider this story: http://blog.zoogue.com/ipad/exclusive-ipad-nano-images-surface/ which was more than 4 months before the mini was announced, and I don't believe these were the first set of pics leaked.

You know, part of me wants to be very wrong with this - I can't wait to see updates (and big ones not just minor spec bumps) sooner rather than later.

Don't think well see big spec updates so soon. Apple have never done that, I don't think. But these March rumours just refuse to die. I think it's mainly because analysts can't think of anything else apple would release in March, having refreshed their entire product line in the last half of 2012 except Apple TV, which is apparently unlikely to get an update this year. And I think this is one of the most unpredictable Apple launches ever. Most Apple launches are far more predictable.

 

[bobbysmith]

iPad mini 2 is confirmed to be released in late March with 549 ppi Retina and 2 GB RAM, iPad mini 3 in late June and iPad mini 4 in late October.

Source.