iPad 5 and Mini 2 price expectations
The iPad 5 and iPad mini 2 tablets are the next big mobile device launches that we expect from Apple. We’ve recently heard rumors of an October event to officially introduce the new iPads, so today we want to discuss iPad 5 and mini 2 price expectations.
Both devices have been the subject of plenty of rumors and leaks, and although we have seen many leaked images of casings giving us a hint of designs, there has been very little information leaked about specifications. Recently there have been some pointers from inclusions with the just-released iPhone 5S though.
For example the iPhone 5S has a new 64-bit A7 processor, so of course it seems likely that this could come to one or both of the new iPads. Other possibilities are the new M7 chip, improved cameras and features, and the prospect of increased battery life.
One of the most speculated additions though is the arrival of sapphire crystal home buttons incorporating a fingerprint sensor, as also appeared on the iPhone 5S. Also those looking forward to the new iPad mini will be hoping that this time around it has a Retina display.
Hence, there are prospects of many new additions for the iPad 5 and iPad mini 2, and of course there could be some new inclusions that we haven’t noted here. So how will all of these upgraded specs and improvements influence the price of the new iPads?
There’s some good news here as we feel that the pricing will probably be the same as for the current iPad and iPad mini when they first released. It’s easy to assume that prices may need to go up to take into account the improved specs that are anticipated, but in fact although some of the new components may be more expensive, other standard components are likely to have reduced in price.
Apple has long shown a pattern of trying to maintain pricing for new devices and keeping prices the same as the models that were previously released. This has recently been shown with the iPhone 5S, which released at a starting price of $199 on contract, exactly the same as for the iPhone 5. The iPhone 5S had plenty of upgraded specs and yet didn’t increase in price from its predecessor, and so there’s no reason to think that Apple will depart from this example with the new iPads.
When the iPad 4 released last year the base level Wi-Fi 16GB storage option was priced at $499, with the 32GB variant at $599 and 64GB model at $699. Now there is also a 128GB version at $799. The Wi-Fi + Cellular models are priced at $629, $729, $829 and $929 respectively.
The original iPad mini comes in 16, 32 or 64GB storage options, with Wi-Fi models priced at $329, $429 and $529 respectively. Wi-Fi + Cellular models are priced at $459, $559 and $659. Although nothing is set in stone, we don’t expect the iPad 5 and mini 2 to increase from these pricings. Even if the prices do go up we don’t anticipate any more than slight increases.
A launch date for the iPad 5 and iPad mini 2 has been rumored for October 15, although this is unconfirmed. All being well though, it shouldn’t be too much longer until we hear confirmed specs, release dates and pricing for the new Apple iPads.
Are you a potential customer of either the iPad 5 or iPad mini 2? We feel our price expectations for the tablets are realistic, but do you agree? If the iPads do release with higher prices than the current models, how much more would you be prepared to pay? Send your comments to let us know.
Comments
19 thoughts on “iPad 5 and Mini 2 price expectations”
I have a funny feeling that the iPads pricing will be either lower or stay the same!
You don’t think?
Lower or on pair prices. Too much crisis around. Nonetheless… badly waiting a new iPad5/128/4g! Hope they’ll introduce a better “pen” support, such as on samsung note.
Im with you there
I don’t see them raising the price or lowering it of the regular iPad. I do see Apple raising the price slightly of the mini if they do add the A7, and a retina display. Something else I want them to release is a smart CASE for the mini.
I can’t see the iPad mini having the A7 chip it will be an A6 at best. The iPad mini isn’t about speed it’s selling point is portability.
I’d be happy with a beefed up processor and a bit more RAM – not bothered about the screen.
I just can’t wait! Hope price stays same or lower.
I wouldn’t buy one if it was more.
IOS 7 the worst thing to happen to iPhone since iPhone.
I agree, Apple lost their own identity moving to new interface similar to Android.
I can’t wait for it. When is the fall event?
Apple are holding a specile event on 15 october
I was just about to buy an ipad mini but then I heard the rumors. I will definetly be buying the ipad mini 2 but I will not be wanting to pay more than $350
Apple’s been making the same iPad for over 2 years, hopefully the rumors are true and they’re finally giving it a re-design.
I will only buy the iPad 5 if it starts off with 32GB drive and has the A7processor.
I want an iPad mini with a phone, I can hardly see my iphone.
Would love to see a marked improvement with the iPad 5 and not the micro incremental token so called upgrade that they have sold to sheep in the past!! A game changer, even if that means copying Sony with being water and dust proof. Or Samsung with a multiscreen. Paying £500 for a fingerprint scanner so that I can go “OOoooh!” every time I unlock the device is not my idea of something that is life enhancing or fulfilling. Maybe it’s time to switch? I will wait for the announcement and then decide.
I have an ipad1 and am waiting to see what the price will be… I want to upgrade but can’t really justify another ipad when this one works okay… can’t afford MORE money! Already the price is as much as a laptop! So I am looking at a refurbished one for myself for Christmas… Hope the price comes down on them!
i would want to pay no more then £500 but if i have to pay more then i would since i think it is important to get the latest gadgets i also think that they should do package deals eg. an iPad and an iPhone. i would over all pay no more than £699