Rumours: Apple Considering Cost-Effective iPad Mini

By: Zain Nabi  |   April 29th, 2013   |   Apple, Smartphones, Tablets

While iPad mini itself is a cost-effective device, it still targets high-end consumers, living smartly up to the reputation of Apple’s signature target market. Apple is expected to launch another version of its iPad mini later this year and the new version will reportedly feature retina display. Addition of this feature is not going to serve the interest of those who are hoping to get their hands on Apple’s products at lower price. However, there are some rumours doing the rounds, claiming that Apple is going to launch a cost-effective iPad mini prior to the launch of the one that has retina display.

 

Although there is no confirmation of this report, MacRumours has quoted KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo as predicting the arrival of the cost-effective iPad mini. Apple is already working on bringing a cost-effective iPhone that will be fared at significantly lower prices as compared to the general Apple products. This and the possible iPad mini can help Apple penetrate into the markets where it is still behind its competitors.

 

The growing competition in the smartphone and tablet industry has made almost all the competitors think a lot about their strategies, products, features and designs. It should be noted that many cost-effective smartphones and tablets running on Android are already very popular in markets of developing countries where Apple is unable to gain a stronghold owing to higher prices. If Apple somehow manages to enter these markets with cost-effective products it can certainly challenge other rivals.

 

If this happens it will not only secure short-term profits for Apple, but also generate a huge consumer base for future, the latter being Apple’s priority. The report regarding the cost-effective iPad mini also says that it could be priced around US$199~249. According to the analyst:

 

“Prior to iPad mini 2 launch, Apple might roll out a more affordable iPad mini to compete with Android products. To cut costs, Apple might push for lower component prices, use a more advanced process to produce the A5 processor, simplify metal casing production, remove the rear camera, cut storage to 8GB and find more component suppliers to lower costs. We think this cheaper iPad mini retail for US$199-249.”