Neil Hughes
Apple next week is set to launch a new, smaller iPad in 24 different configurations, suggesting four different storage capacities and two color options, AppleInsider has learned.
The full list of presumed "iPad mini" product stock-keeping units, or SKUs, shows a total of 24 varieties. Four different models will be offered — described as P101, P103, P105 and P107 — which one person familiar with the inventory said likely signifies four different storage capacities.
The lineup could suggest that Apple plans to introduce an 8-gigabyte model that would serve as an entry-level model for the lower-priced 7.85-inch iPad. Currently, the full-sized iPad does not come with a storage capacity lower than 16 gigabytes.
Each of the four different product descriptions also come with three different distinctions: "GOOD," "BETTER," and "BEST," which could signify Wi-Fi-only, 3G, and 4G LTE models, respectively. Each model is also available in "A" and "B" variants, which likely identify color options of black and white.
One person familiar with Apple's product inventory said the company's initial shipments suggest availability of the presumed entry-level "P101" model will be the greatest at launch. An inventory list that surfaced from a retailer last weekend suggested an entry-level 8-gigabyte model could cost around $249.
The person also added that Apple is rumored to begin selling new iMac desktops on Oct. 24, one day after the anticipated Oct. 23 event. In addition to the iPad mini, Apple is also expected to unveil a new 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display, but no timeframe on its availability was given.
Apple is expected to officially announce its Oct. 23 media event this afternoon. AppleInsider will have full coverage.
AppleInsider Staff
Malcolm Owen
Oliver Haslam
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106 Comments
Apple is expected to officially announce its Oct. 23 media event this afternoon. AppleInsider will have full coverage.
Full coverage of an email? Wha?
I'll take 2.
I like it. They are covering there butt in case it oversell the regular one. With 2 full sets of ipads at 2 different sizes they giving users a lot more choices.
I'd think Good, Better, Best refers to storage capacity not to wireless connectivity. Is there are just two colors and 3 different capacities that leaves two types within each capacity. That seems to point to a WiFi and 4G LTE variety for two base carriers configurations. 2 carriers x 2 wireless types x 3 capacities x 2 colors = 24 SKUs.
Apple really should avoid releasing an 8gb model just to reach a lower price-point (unless it's solely for the EDU market) as such a paltry capacity on an iOS device leaves very little room for anything. Other 'mobile OS' devices can often get away with such a small capacity as their apps tend to be (much) smaller in size than iOS offerings, but with a mere 7.25 or so user accessible storage on an 8gb iOS device, users will likely quickly become frustrated with running out of space, with no option for exspansion. We'll See...