"Hey Siri" support and possibly wireless charging case alongside AirPower charging mat.
AirPods and AirPower: Everything We Know
8 GB iPad 2 Coming Alongside 16 GB and 32 GB iPad 3 Next Week?
The sometimes-reliable DigiTimes reports that Apple is planning to launch a new 8 GB iPad 2 model next week alongside the iPad 3, presumably seeking to reduce costs to make the device as affordable as possible while also differentiating the offering from the iPad 3. The strategy is similar to one used by Apple for the last several generations of the iPhone, where the company has discontinued the standard 16 GB and 32 GB models of the device being updated and added an 8 GB model to serve as a low-end option for consumers.
Today's report also claims, however, that Apple will be introducing 16 GB and 32 GB models of the iPad 3, making no mention of a 64 GB version or even a potential 128 GB version that some users have been hoping for. Both the original iPad and the iPad 2 top out at 64 GB, and even though Apple is trying to encourage adoption of its iCloud service to allow users to freely download content on-demand, a reduction in maximum capacity would be a very odd decision for Apple. With the iPad 3 expected to carry a 2048 x 1536 "Retina" display with four times the pixels of the iPad 2, the device would be capable of handling higher-resolution video and app content, which would obviously require larger file sizes.
Regardless of the accuracy of the report's iPad 3 claims, a move to an 8 GB iPad 2 is an interesting option that so far has not been the topic of much rumor or speculation. Most discussion has centered around the possibility of Apple keeping the 16 GB iPad 2 available at a price point of $399 or even lower, but a move to 8 GB would give Apple even more room to shift lower on pricing.
Today's report also claims, however, that Apple will be introducing 16 GB and 32 GB models of the iPad 3, making no mention of a 64 GB version or even a potential 128 GB version that some users have been hoping for. Both the original iPad and the iPad 2 top out at 64 GB, and even though Apple is trying to encourage adoption of its iCloud service to allow users to freely download content on-demand, a reduction in maximum capacity would be a very odd decision for Apple. With the iPad 3 expected to carry a 2048 x 1536 "Retina" display with four times the pixels of the iPad 2, the device would be capable of handling higher-resolution video and app content, which would obviously require larger file sizes.
As Apple has scheduled an event on March 7, sources from its upstream supply chain pointed out that the company is expected to launch two iPad 3 models - a 16GB version and 32GB version.A shift to only two capacities for the iPad 3 would also seem to be at odds with part numbers said to be for the new device. Those part numbers show three "Good/Better/Best" versions of each new model, presumably corresponding to three different capacities.
In addition to iPad 3, Apple is also expected to unveil an 8GB iPad 2, allowing the tablet PC series to cover different segments and to defend against Windows 8-based tablet PCs, the sources noted.
Regardless of the accuracy of the report's iPad 3 claims, a move to an 8 GB iPad 2 is an interesting option that so far has not been the topic of much rumor or speculation. Most discussion has centered around the possibility of Apple keeping the 16 GB iPad 2 available at a price point of $399 or even lower, but a move to 8 GB would give Apple even more room to shift lower on pricing.
Related Roundup: iPad
Tag: digitimes.com
Buyer's Guide: iPad (Don't Buy)
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91 months ago
Why even bother with an 8GB iPad ?
That's literally 6.5GB of usable space.
I'm sure the cost differences for Apple to include 8GB of memory and 16GB of memory are negligible. Honestly they shouldn't even bother with an 8GB iPad IMO. The fact that the iPad 2 is already a year old will make people want to spring for the iPad 3, which is what Apple is trying to do.
That's literally 6.5GB of usable space.
I'm sure the cost differences for Apple to include 8GB of memory and 16GB of memory are negligible. Honestly they shouldn't even bother with an 8GB iPad IMO. The fact that the iPad 2 is already a year old will make people want to spring for the iPad 3, which is what Apple is trying to do.
91 months ago
Please no... 8gb is such a pointless size for any ipod/iphone, let alone the ipad that typically has larger apps... hardly any room to install anything.
91 months ago
no 64GB or 128GB model? Well that puts a kink in my plans...
...but then again it IS Digitimes.
...but then again it IS Digitimes.
91 months ago
Wow, what a joke. 8GB iPad is ridiculous, 16GB is bad enough. I really hope this is just some bogus time waster of an article. My 64GB iPad 2 is already pushing its limit on storage. I really wanted a 128GB.
91 months ago
Wait, no 64GB? Wow, if that is true! Well, if its only 16 and 32, the prices better not go up! That would be BS!
91 months ago
Okay I call BS on this entire story. 8GB on an iPad does not make sense due to the operating system already taking almost two gigs. Lastly Apple makes the most margin on the iPads with the largest capacity so for there not to be a 64GB option is NOT an option.
I am going to venture to guess we will see a 32GB, 64GB and 128GB iPad 3 at $499, $599 and $699 respectively. No 16GB iPad 3.
I pad 2 will stay at 16 GB and 32 GB only and be priced at $379 and $459 respectively.
Just my two cents.
I am going to venture to guess we will see a 32GB, 64GB and 128GB iPad 3 at $499, $599 and $699 respectively. No 16GB iPad 3.
I pad 2 will stay at 16 GB and 32 GB only and be priced at $379 and $459 respectively.
Just my two cents.
91 months ago
iCloud is not a viable replacement for local storage, and it won't be until data caps are gone, and fast reliable internet is available everywhere. Also, iCloud needs a Dropbox style implementation where we can put in whatever files we want.
91 months ago
The options:
1. This is an education model intended for textbooks
2. This is to enter a new price point
3. Apple needs to use the high flash profits to offset the cost of the retina display
4. Digi Times is wrong
My money is on #4
1. This is an education model intended for textbooks
2. This is to enter a new price point
3. Apple needs to use the high flash profits to offset the cost of the retina display
4. Digi Times is wrong
My money is on #4
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