Mikey Campbell
Apple on Wednesday announced cellular-capable iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 models will be available in China later this week, offering support for region-specific wireless networks used by major telecoms like the world-leader China Mobile.
According to Apple's announcement, cellular versions of the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 now on sale in China include TD-LTE and FDD-LTE, TD-SCDMA, DC-HSDPA, HSPA+ and other advanced networks. A quick check with China's Online Apple Store shows the latest WLAN + Cellular iPads up for sale with an estimated ship time of one day.
Prices for Space Gray, silver and gold iPad Air 2 with WLAN + Cellular models start at 4,488 RMB ($727) for the 16GB model, 5,188 RMB ($840) for the 64GB version and 5,888 RMB ($954) for the top-end 128GB model. Apple has set iPad Air 2 with WLAN pricing at 3,588 RMB ($581) for the 16GB model, while a 64GB version sells for 4,288 RMB ($695) and 4,988 RMB ($808) for the top-end 128GB model.
As for iPad mini 3 WLAN + Cellular models supporting TD-LTE and FDD-LTE, units are available for 3,788 RMB ($614) for the 16GB model, 4,488 RMB ($727) for the 64GB model and 5,188 RMB ($840) for the 128GB model. Non-cellular versions sell for 2,888 RMB ($468), 3,588 RMB ($581) and and 4,288 RMB ($694) for 16GB, 64GB and 128GB models, respectively.
With the introduction of current-generation iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 hardware, Apple has decreased iPad Air, iPad mini 2 and iPad mini pricing.
Apple unveiled the iPad Air 2 in October, showing off the tablet's slimmed-down 6.1-millimeter thick chassis, A8X SoC, Touch ID support, anti-reflective screen coating and new gold color option. Revealed on the same day, Apple's iPad mini 3 brought less extensive generational improvements, adding only Touch ID and gold chassis.
Charles Martin
Malcolm Owen
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
Wesley Hilliard
5 Comments
[I]"Cellular models start at 4,488 RMB ($727) for the 16GB model, 5,188 RMB ($840) for the 64GB version and 5,888 RMB ($954) for the top-end 128GB model. Apple has set iPad Air 2 with WLAN pricing at 3,588 RMB ($581) for the 16GB model, while a 64GB version sells for 4,288 RMB ($695) and 4,988 RMB ($808) for the top-end 128GB model."[/I] They make them in China, but pay a premium to USA pricing?
[quote name="xixo" url="/t/183831/apple-debuts-cellular-lte-equipped-ipad-air-2-and-ipad-mini-3-in-china#post_2650490"][I]"Cellular models start at 4,488 RMB ($727) for the 16GB model, 5,188 RMB ($840) for the 64GB version and 5,888 RMB ($954) for the top-end 128GB model. Apple has set iPad Air 2 with WLAN pricing at 3,588 RMB ($581) for the 16GB model, while a 64GB version sells for 4,288 RMB ($695) and 4,988 RMB ($808) for the top-end 128GB model."[/I] They make them in China, but pay a premium to USA pricing?[/quote] They'll sell just fine, don't worry.
"Cellular models start at 4,488 RMB ($727) for the 16GB model, 5,188 RMB ($840) for the 64GB version and 5,888 RMB ($954) for the top-end 128GB model. Apple has set iPad Air 2 with WLAN pricing at 3,588 RMB ($581) for the 16GB model, while a 64GB version sells for 4,288 RMB ($695) and 4,988 RMB ($808) for the top-end 128GB model."
They make them in China, but pay a premium to USA pricing?
Companies that ship products OUT of China get up to a 17% tax rebate.
That means if they sell within China, the taxes alone means it is 17% more expensive than in the US.
[quote name="xixo" url="/t/183831/apple-debuts-cellular-lte-equipped-ipad-air-2-and-ipad-mini-3-in-china#post_2650490"][I]"Cellular models start at 4,488 RMB ($727) for the 16GB model, 5,188 RMB ($840) for the 64GB version and 5,888 RMB ($954) for the top-end 128GB model. Apple has set iPad Air 2 with WLAN pricing at 3,588 RMB ($581) for the 16GB model, while a 64GB version sells for 4,288 RMB ($695) and 4,988 RMB ($808) for the top-end 128GB model."[/I] They make them in China, but pay a premium to USA pricing?[/quote] Think of them like hay... that gets heavier after you run it through a cow.
Almost all made-in-China consumer electronics are cheaper in the USA. I'll have visiting friends bring me new cameras, phones, etc. rather than buy locally in Chengdu. Makes for a very circuitous route for these items.