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Apple Constraining iPod, iPad Mini 2 and iPad Air Inventory Sent to Third-Party Retailers
Insider inventory constraint information from major retailer Target hints at some possible end of life timelines for various products like the iPod, iPad mini 2, and iPad Air, many of which may be discontinued in the near future following the launch of new products.
According to a screenshot of an internal inventory system shared by a Target employee, all models of the iPod are currently constrained by Apple ahead of a rumored update that could come as soon as tomorrow.
Images of unreleased iPod touches, nanos, and shuffles were first discovered hidden within iTunes 12.2, and a rumor has suggested the iPod touch could receive a processor upgrade and new color options while the nano and the shuffle might be available in new colorways.
As for the iPad mini 2 and the iPad Air, replenishment of existing stock is currently constrained, with Target aiming to have 1 color in stock at each of its stores. Dwindling in-store stock suggests Apple could be planning to discontinue the iPad mini 2 and the iPad Air following the release of new models, which is expected to happen in the fall.
The iPad mini 2 and the iPad Air may be replaced by the iPad mini 3 and the iPad Air 2 as lower-cost older-generation models following the launch of a third-generation iPad Air and a fourth-generation iPad mini. We haven't heard much on what a third-generation iPad Air might offer, but an A9 processor and Force Touch are solid guesses.
A fourth-generation iPad mini has been rumored to be in the works, with an iPad Air-style redesign that eliminates the mute switch and introduces larger speaker holes. An updated iPad mini would also likely incorporate a much-improved processor, more RAM, and possibly Force Touch.
It is not clear when Apple plans to introduce new iPad mini and iPad Air models, but Target's guess of fall 2015 is a safe bet. For the last several years, Apple has updated its iPad lineup in October or November, and that's when we're likely to see new iPads in 2015. This year's iPad update may include an all new model, the much-rumored larger-screened iPad Pro.
According to a screenshot of an internal inventory system shared by a Target employee, all models of the iPod are currently constrained by Apple ahead of a rumored update that could come as soon as tomorrow.
Images of unreleased iPod touches, nanos, and shuffles were first discovered hidden within iTunes 12.2, and a rumor has suggested the iPod touch could receive a processor upgrade and new color options while the nano and the shuffle might be available in new colorways.
As for the iPad mini 2 and the iPad Air, replenishment of existing stock is currently constrained, with Target aiming to have 1 color in stock at each of its stores. Dwindling in-store stock suggests Apple could be planning to discontinue the iPad mini 2 and the iPad Air following the release of new models, which is expected to happen in the fall.
The iPad mini 2 and the iPad Air may be replaced by the iPad mini 3 and the iPad Air 2 as lower-cost older-generation models following the launch of a third-generation iPad Air and a fourth-generation iPad mini. We haven't heard much on what a third-generation iPad Air might offer, but an A9 processor and Force Touch are solid guesses.
A fourth-generation iPad mini has been rumored to be in the works, with an iPad Air-style redesign that eliminates the mute switch and introduces larger speaker holes. An updated iPad mini would also likely incorporate a much-improved processor, more RAM, and possibly Force Touch.
It is not clear when Apple plans to introduce new iPad mini and iPad Air models, but Target's guess of fall 2015 is a safe bet. For the last several years, Apple has updated its iPad lineup in October or November, and that's when we're likely to see new iPads in 2015. This year's iPad update may include an all new model, the much-rumored larger-screened iPad Pro.
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36 months ago
The iPad Air functions poorly on iOS 8.X, therefore this is not a huge surprise to me.
Seriously? I must be really ignorant because my 4th Gen iPad works perfectly fine on 8.4. I've never had a moment where I felt like it didn't live up to expectations.(that being said, not having PIP and split screen features on iOS 9 will definitely leave me wanting more)
36 months ago
Get those Mini 2's before it's too late!
Dollar for dollar they're the best model of iPad Mini you can get.
36 months ago
Higher capacity Nano!
Higher capacity Nano!
Higher capacity Nano!
Higher capacity Nano!
Higher capacity Nano!
Same capacity Nano!
Same capacity Nano!
Same capacity Nano!
Same capacity Nano!
Said no one ever.
36 months ago
Between the Air, Air 2, mini 2, mini 3 and upcoming rumored Pro, plus upcoming new models in the fall, the category is getting out of hand. They really need to pare down the iPad line to just a couple of competitively priced models. Feels a bit like the Apple of the 90's before Jobs came back with all the color and capacity options.
36 months ago
Get those Mini 2's before it's too late!
Dollar for dollar they're the best model of iPad Mini you can get.
Dollar for dollar they're the best model of iPad Mini you can get.
36 months ago
The iPad Air functions poorly on iOS 8.X, therefore this is not a huge surprise to me.
Really? Just curious. Do you even have one? Because it works flawlessly for me since day one. Or maybe it's just YOUR experience huh?
36 months ago
*wipes tears from eyes, induced by uncontrollable laughter*
Not sure what you think is funny about it, but it's better for Apple too because it eliminates what is effectively redundant manufacturing and inventory.
36 months ago
Am I the only one here who'd love to see the iPad Air 3 with an iPhone 6 design? (seamless, continous curve).
36 months ago
Hopefully this means they are simplifying the iPad line...it had become ridiculously convoluted since the last September release.
I have an iPad Air and have been mostly happy with it, but I love the idea of Touch ID but held off last year. I imagine there isn't much in way of a redesign happening this year either.
Apple really needs to put more into iOS to make the iPads more useful for work. There are some nice things in iOS 9 finally, but it still has a long way to go.
I have an iPad Air and have been mostly happy with it, but I love the idea of Touch ID but held off last year. I imagine there isn't much in way of a redesign happening this year either.
Apple really needs to put more into iOS to make the iPads more useful for work. There are some nice things in iOS 9 finally, but it still has a long way to go.
36 months ago
They already cut the iPad mini 1, now the mini 2 and the Air 1... If the iPhone 5c and iPod Touch end up getting the guts from the iPhone 5s this year, that would bring the entire iOS lineup to 64-bit with Touch ID.
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