Apple launched the iPad mini 4 as the successor to the iPad mini 3 earlier this month, but instead of keeping the iPad mini 3 as the entry-level model, Apple gave the title to the iPad mini 2 instead. Here is why.
The iPad mini 4 retains the same design as the iPad mini 3 complete with the Touch ID fingerprint sensor, but comes with a host of performance improvements inside, including 8 megapixels alongside Apple’s A8 processor and 2GB of memory. camera.
Compared to the iPad mini 3, this is a pretty big improvement. The older tablet came with an A7 processor with only 1GB of memory and a 5-megapixel camera, the same features that rocked the iPad mini 2.
When Apple launched the iPad mini 4, it swapped the iPad mini 3 for the $399 price point, but instead of the iPad mini 3 hitting the $299 price point as Apple usually does with last-gen products, the company actually discontinued the iPad. left the mini 3 and the iPad mini 2 in the slot for less than $269 instead.
You might think this is Apple’s weird move and it doesn’t make any sense, but when it comes to a company as smart as Apple, these madnesses have a method.
Essentially, if you’re considering buying a new iPad mini, Apple wants you to buy the iPad mini 4. Yes, the iPad mini 2 is out there and available for purchase, but Apple doesn’t actually want you to buy it.
Sure, the company could stop the iPad mini 2 and make the iPad mini 4 the only iPad mini available in the Apple Store, which could easily solve the problem of consumers buying the more expensive tablet, but if they didn’t offer a more affordable option for us Frugal buyers, everyone knew bullshit would hit their fans.
And Apple doesn’t want everyone to buy the iPad mini 4, only those who decide which model to get. The company wants its frugal customers to opt for the iPad mini 2, but for those struggling to decide which one to buy, Apple wants to nudge them slightly towards the iPad mini 4.
First of all, although they’ve got the iPad mini 2 around, it’s only available in 16GB and 32GB storage capacities, so if you need more storage than that, you’ll have to buy the iPad mini 4. 32GB to store music, movies, photos, etc. It’s not hard to fill it with, so that’s one way Apple is trying to persuade more consumers to buy the iPad mini 4.
Another way is to offer a gold color option only on the iPad mini 4. While for some users the color is not a big deal, there are many users who want a certain color and if it’s a gold iPad they want, then they will have to buy the iPad mini 4.
However, perhaps the biggest selling point for the iPad mini 4 is Touch ID. The Touch ID fingerprint sensor is combined with the home button and allows users to unlock their iPad by simply scanning their finger instead of having to enter a passcode each time.
I would argue that if the iPad mini 3 were still available and used as the entry-level iPad mini, many users would see Touch ID on both models and wonder what the difference is between the two tablets and eventually just buy it. It’s the iPad mini 3 to save some money, but since there’s a clear difference between the iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 4, users who want a much better tablet will easily choose the iPad mini 4 and pay $399.
The iPad mini 2 is still a great tablet and can play many of the latest games as well as the performance needed for the most everyday tasks, but it will get old fast as time goes on, and this one never gets old. If you’re looking to buy a brand new iPad that will last you at least a few years, make it the ideal choice.
