Apple is set to discontinue the iPad after nearly three years on the market. The second generation iPad, launched in 2011, which sports an A5 processor and non-Retina display, is expected to be discontinued in the near future according to people familiar with Apple’s plans for the device, reports AppleInsider.
According to the report, Apple has decided to ramp down on production of the iPad 2 units as customers are resoundingly shifting purchases towards its more modern and capable iPads, namely the iPad mini and iPad Air.
The iPad 2 debuted in March, 2011, and was an immediate success and a huge improvement on the first generation iPad. It offered a slimmer and lighter form factor and brought with it the unique Smart Cover, a front-facing FaceTime camera for the first time as well as being the first iPad available in white.
When Apple launched the third generation iPad twelve months later, the company continued to offer the iPad 2 at the lower price point of $399.
After two more hardware revisions – the fourth generation iPad in October 2012 and, most recently, the iPad Air in October last year – the iPad 2 continued to live on as a legacy device in the iPad product lineup.
Reasons for the iPad 2 continuing despite the third and fourth generation iPads being discontinued were perplexing, some citing the eduction market and some arguing that the device was far cheaper to manufacture. However, the device’s availability suggested that Apple was finding some success with the device at the $399 price point.
Apple launched the iPad mini with Retina Display at $399 and now, it seems, customers are opting for the more compact, high-resolution Retina iPad mini at this price point.
After nearly three years on the market, the iPad 2 has been a resounding success and a great product for Apple. However, it would seem the longest serving iPad’s days are numbered.
Do you think the iPad 2 has had its day? Any iPad 2 users feel the device is still worth a purchase today considering the rest of the lineup? Let us know your thoughts in the (newly revamped) comments section
