Analyst Says Apple Might Phase Out iPad 2 to Concentrate on iPad Mini

[Maura]

Evercore Partners analyst Rob Cihra has today said in a note to investors that he thinks Apple will phase out the iPad 2 in order to achieve “clearer product tiers.†According to AppleInsider, Cihra says that he believes Apple will sell approximately 7 million iPad minis in the December quarter, which, when added to sales of regular-sized iPads, could see Apple selling 26 million iPads in the holiday period. This is the highest estimate so far, with other analysts yesterday talking of 25 million iPads sold in the holiday period. Cihra says that in his opinion, Apple is making use of its engineering expertise , both in hardware and software, to draw revenue away from “other commodity markets and incumbent competitors.†Cihra expects Apple to post $56.1 billion in revenue in the December quarter. Before that though, we can look forward to Apple posting its results for the September quarter, which Chira expects to be $36.5 billion.

Source: Apple predicted to phase out iPad 2 to streamline product line for 'iPad mini'

 

[Asharp]

The fact that there seem to be more improvements for new iPads than the iPad 2 in iOS 6 and the inclusion of features that are specific to the latest version of the iPad, e.g., Siri, to me, are also potential signs that iPad 2’s will be phased out in the foreseeable future.

 

[thewitt]

Of course they will drop the iPad 2. The new entry level device will be the mini.

 

[intillzah]

It stands to reason that they would want to streamline their offerings. And with the mini that will be the price leader... and the 3 for the "power user". It's good marketing..