Apple has re-introduced its fourth-generation iPad, this time with only a 16GB capacity.
The revived model replaces the aging iPad 2 — originally released in early 2011 — in Apple’s lineup. Like the iPad mini with Retina Display, it is priced at $399, making it $100 than the iPad Air. A cellular model is also available for $529.
Significantly abandoning the iPad 2 and replacing it with the iPad 4 means that all available iPad models now use a Lightning connector — since the iPad 2 was the only model left with the original 30-pin adapter.
Other than the mandatory 16GB capacity choice, there aren’t any changes to the iPad 4. The model includes Apple’s dual-core A6X processor, a 5 MP iSight camera, and 1.2 MP FaceTime camera.
Source: Apple Store
Luke Dormehl is a U.K.-based journalist and author, with a background working in documentary film for Channel 4 and the BBC. He is the author of The Apple Revolution and The Formula: How Algorithms Solve All Our Problems … and Create More, both published by Penguin/Random House. His tech writing has also appeared in Wired, Fast Company, Techmeme and other publications.
6 responses to “Apple Retires iPad 2, Replaces It With Retina Display Model”
Apple seems to spending their time just moving the deck chairs around at this stage.
Reintroduce an older, ‘cheaper’, less-capable iPad, produce a less-capable version of your less successful iPhone, reintroduce the production of the iPhone 4 for ’emerging’ markets, dust off the 7 year old iOS with more ‘improvements’…
Desperately missing the ‘Insanely Great’ at this stage – especially when their hardware is lagging behind the competition.
If you believe that, you’ve missed the point. They replaced the iPad 2 with a more capable iPad as the entry level. It’s a step forward, not back.
Don’t get me wrong. If Apple can continue to resurrect old, less-capable tech (albeit one that looks pretty with Retina) at a premium price and sell them via the P.T. Barnum mandate (There’s a sucker born every minute), then more power to them.
However (and before Jobs’ passing), Apple seemed to have lost any wildly creative spark and are simply (short of doing long-delayed patches – sorry, ‘updates’) pushing old ideas/products at us in the hope that we won’t notice – or worse, care.
Hey, its not my job (nor reputation) to think of the next ‘Insanely
Great’ thing. Its just a pity it doesn’t seem to be Apple’s anymore,
either.
I was saving up for the 128GB version, now I’m out of luck?!
You can still get the 128GB iPad Air. Only the iPad 2 has been replaced.
But i didn’t want the “air”