Roger Fingas
Apple on Friday unceremoniously removed the first-generation iPad mini from its website, including product pages and the online store, leaving only the iPad mini 2 and 3, both of which feature high-resolution Retina displays.
While the company didn't offer an explanation, it presumably managed to deplete unsold inventory after sales of the tablet tapered off. The first-generation iPad mini is now largely outdated, sporting a 32-bit A5 processor and a non-Retina display.
The original iPad mini was released in October 2012, and has seen multiple price cuts, most recently to as little as $249 for a 16-gigabyte Wi-Fi model.
Refurbished units are still available, starting at $209, and include options with extra storage and/or cellular support.
The change still leaves the Mini 2 and 3 as options, the latter differing from the Mini 2 only in adding Touch ID and a gold color option. Both feature Retina displays and 64-bit A7 processors.
Apple's plans for the Mini come this fall are uncertain, as much of Apple's iPad focus is expected to be on a 12.9-inch "Pro" model.
Despite its removal from the Apple Store, the first-gen iPad mini still has some life left in it, as Apple's forthcoming iOS 9 update will be compatible with the device. iOS 9 will also run on the legacy iPhone 4s and fifth-generation iPod touch.
Andrew Orr
Amber Neely
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
22 Comments
Finally getting rid of non-retina and A5 devices! Finally! Now get rid of the mini 2 this fall and reduce the price of the mini 3. Paying $100 more just for Touch ID is stupid.
Is there some OCD Army out there constantly perusing Apple’s website to find and report any changes, punditize those changes, and then distribute them to various tech blogs?
Is there some OCD Army out there constantly perusing Apple’s website to find and report any changes, punditize those changes, and then distribute them to various tech blogs?
Yes apparently. Look! A font changed! Apple is doomed!
Is there some OCD Army out there constantly perusing Apple’s website to find and report any changes, punditize those changes, and then distribute them to various tech blogs?
computers: taking boring repetitive stuff and doing it... for practically free.
Tech pundits: I'll write crap content for food.
Tech Blogs: I link ads to crap content for food.
Blog readers: I strive for bits of crap content to make my life meaningful.
It's like bitcoin mining, just instead of random numbers, it's mining random factoids. Then people monetize it.
Meanwhile...