Apple Online Store Tweaks: iPad Model Selection Layout, New 'In Stock' Status

Apple's online stores went down for several hours earlier today, and while the downtime did not bring any new products, it did see a few visible changes for the stores.

One immediately visible change is in the iPad model selection page, where Apple previously listed all 18 iPad 2 models available in the U.S. store. The company has replaced that system with a new, more dynamic process in which users first select a color, followed by a separate step in which they select a storage capacity and whether they wish to have 3G capacity. Users selecting a 3G model then proceed to a third step where they select whether they want an AT&T (GSM) or Verizon (CDMA) model.

ipad 2 selection sep11
The change significantly reduces clutter on the selection page, where the sheer number of model choices led to potentially confusing mass of selection buttons. The new stepwise selection process streamlines the selection page while making it clear to customers the three criteria (color, capacity, connectivity) they need to decide upon.

In another change, Apple has replaced its previous "within 24 hours" shipping estimate status with a new "in stock" indicator on a store-wide basis. The two terms appear to be synonymous, with models offering longer shipping estimates continuing to list their availability in terms of business days until shipping.

Shipping estimates throughout Apple's online store mysteriously ballooned yesterday before returning to normal after a few hours. The issue may have been related to behind-the-scenes changes being made in preparation for today's tweaks to the store.

Top Rated Comments

DrJohnnyN Avatar
157 months ago
Simple is beautiful.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AppleHater Avatar
157 months ago
I wish they give 128GB as an option next time with iPad 3. With closed design like iPad (no attachable secondary storages), they need more room.

16GB is a joke when a HD movie is a few GB each.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mattsasa Avatar
157 months ago
Yay, less confusion for the average joe buying an iPad
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
rdstoll Avatar
157 months ago
This is stunning, earth-shattering, significant news! Thanks to macrumors for highlighting this.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Doctor Q Avatar
157 months ago
This will make it simpler to add more carrier choices.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jayman99 Avatar
157 months ago
Such an improvement in content layout. The page before was so cluttered, my eyes hurt just looking at that mess. I look forward to website updates by Apple. They lead the industry not only in product design but lead in web design as well. I find their work increasingly inspirational. Keep up the great work Apple. More companies should catch on to your web presence, it's the best.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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