Apple Stores begin stocking space gray first-gen iPad mini

Alongside Apple's unveiling of the iPad mini with Retina display, the company announced that it would be replacing the black and slate first-gen unit with a space gray version. It appears that these devices are now trickling out to Apple Stores in the U.S., though on a limited basis.

AppleInsider was able to confirm that some larger stores had the devices in stock earlier in the day, but quickly sold out of the initial batch.

Apple first introduced space gray as a replacement for the outgoing "black and slate" color option when the iPhone 5s debuted in September. The lighter gun metal-esque finish has replaced black for almost all iOS products, save for the iPod classic.

Along with the new hue, Apple dropped the original iPad mini's price tag to $299, as the device is now the company's entry-level 7.9-inch tablet. Like the iPad 2, the first-gen mini is being offered in two variations, 16GB with Wi-Fi and 16GB with Wi-Fi + Cellular.

As seen above, the Apple Online Store is showing in-stock status of the space gray non-Retina mini, and the tablet should be shipping out to resellers in the near future. AppleInsider will have a full list of availability in the Price Guide as the new color option hits store shelves.