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Shortages of iPad Air 2 32GB

T

thewinelake2

macrumors member
Original poster
Apr 13, 2015
30
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I was in the market for an iPad Air 2 32GB wifi. Seems that most of the usual non-Apple suppliers are running out of stock. I'm wondering if it's just supply issues and they will be coming back into stock, or if Apple are deciding that they're too cheap (at £379) and will phase them out in favour of more expensive 128GB models?

What I'd really like to know is how long before they're back in the discounted supply chain (eg. Jigsaw 24 or CostCo)?
 
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If, indeed, Apple is planning new iPads in March, it may be an end of life for the Air 2 (where either the iPad Pro 9.7" or the fabled "low cost" 9.7 non-pro replace the Air 2).
 
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thewinelake2 said:
I was in the market for an iPad Air 2 32GB wifi. Seems that most of the usual non-Apple suppliers are running out of stock. I'm wondering if it's just supply issues and they will be coming back into stock, or if Apple are deciding that they're too cheap (at £379) and will phase them out in favour of more expensive 128GB models?

What I'd really like to know is how long before they're back in the discounted supply chain (eg. Jigsaw 24 or CostCo)?
Click to expand...

There is no doubt the Air 2 is on its way out from my reasoning. The rumors are confirming the new models making there way in the next six weeks. And I can confirm your theory of the shortages in my area. I think it's inevitable.
 
Relentless Power said:
There is no doubt the Air 2 is on its way out from my reasoning. The rumors are confirming the new models making there way in the next six weeks. And I can confirm your theory of the shortages in my area. I think it's inevitable.
Click to expand...

By definition, rumours don't confirm anything, but you're probably right.
 
So maybe they're still supplying Apple stores, as they have more control over when they stop selling them. I guess it's a reality of marketing that Apple have to "lie" to other retailers (i.e. tell them that more will be on the way soon) to prevent the market finding out (for sure) about EOL.

I bet the entry cost for "normal sized" iPads will be higher in 1-2 months. Just wondering if I should get an iPad 2 while I can, or wait for something that may be significantly better, even if £50 more. I suppose we're talking pencil compatibility and a bit more power. Wish I had more faith in Apple right now, as I regarded the recent "upgrade" of MBP to be a disappointment.
 
Ha! Wouldn't you know - I see that Jigsaw24 now has stock of the iPad Air2 32GB Wifi in Space Grey (at £365) but my Mum (who the iPad was for) has said that maybe she'll wait a month or so to get the replacement Pro model. It might be about £500 but will have all the "Pro" features and be faster... Think I might try to buy a strategic Air 2 from John Lewis at the end of this month and leave it unopened, and return it if the new Pro comes out and is a no-brainer, otherwise keep it.
 
I've noticed the same thing. I don't need 128GB so was considering picking up a 32GB Air 2 but there just aren't any around. My guess is that it's the end of the line.
 
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All the Apple stores in my state are showing they have them in stock not sure of that still means an update is coming soon since they are still readily available through Apple.
 
joeblow7777 said:
Shortages and sales of current models as of late would seem to support the theory that new iPads are coming next month...
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That used to be true but it is no longer true. There have been deep discounts ($150 off) on the Air 2 for well over a year. It is common for inventory to drop significantly during January-February timeframe each year.

Tying discounts and drop in inventory to a new model is like the classic: Ice cream sales in the Summer rise significantly. Crime rates rise significantly in the Summer. Therefore, ice cream causes people to commit crimes. :p
 
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sracer said:
That used to be true but it is no longer true. There have been deep discounts ($150 off) on the Air 2 for well over a year. It is common for inventory to drop significantly during January-February timeframe each year.

Tying discounts and drop in inventory to a new model is like the classic: Ice cream sales in the Summer rise significantly. Crime rates rise significantly in the Summer. Therefore, ice cream causes people to commit crimes. :p
Click to expand...

I'm well aware that correlation does not necessarily equal causation, but in this case, it is noteworthy in light of other rumours. I'm not drawing any conclusions though.
 
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Howard2k said:
I've noticed the same thing. I don't need 128GB so was considering picking up a 32GB Air 2 but there just aren't any around. My guess is that it's the end of the line.
Click to expand...
Wonder how likely the current 9.7 Pro will replace the Air 2 as the low ring model and the Air 2 does go away.
 
I returned the one I got from John Lewis (unopened) as I think the replacement will be worth the extra cash. Just hoping that it has pencil capability and a bit more power.
 
Air 2 and Pro 12.9 are both on long lead times for all versions, colours and capacities.
This may mean the Air 2 is getting dropped/replaced and the 12.9 is getting replaced. The mini 4, Pro 9.7 are available for immediate dispatch

If the rumours of a mini pro are true then the new iPad line up could be something similar to below:

iPad mini 4 (entry)
iPad mini Pro (new)
iPad Pro 9.7 (entry)
iPad Pro 10.5 (new)
iPad Pro 12.9 (new)

There is talk of a new budget iPad Pro 9.7 or it may just be the existing iPad Pro 9.7 fulfilling that role with the 10.5 taking it's place. The mini 2 is still available for dispatch so that may still remain in inventory unless they are just looking to run down stock and quietly remove it when depleted. All conjecture.
 
With Apple being tight, I am betting that the 'budget' iPad coming out soon will simply be the iPad Air 2 with an A9X chip - so no truetone, no upgraded cameras, only 2 speakers and no pencil/smart connector support. I would love to be proved wrong, but after the iPhone SE didn't feature Force Touch I am resigning myself to Apple sticking with the cheaper Air components with a newer CPU - which probably costs Apple less than the tricore A8X chip these days.
 
I don't think it's likely, but I hope Apple will change pricing so that the iPad Air 3 (or whatever) will be $399 and the iPad Pro 2 will be $499 to start. Pricing is a big issues with iPads. If Apple improves multitasking and features on iPad software, and adjusts pricing, they can probably reverse their sales.

Unlike others, I don't think Apple is afraid of cannibalizing their Macs, I don't think Tim Cook can bring himself to spend the resources necessary to invest in the future of the iPad. I really hope I'm wrong.
 
My opinion is that Apple prices getting just too expensive for a lot of people, for example I sold my iPad pro 12.9" and using my MBP more often my iPhone is 6S plus its working well didn't buy the 7 and most likely going to skip the 8 $1000 is way too much for a phone when the market offers alternative the iPad air 2 is popular now only because of its price.
 
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