Apple has quietly retired the iPad 2, instead bringing the iPad 4 back as the budget full-sized iPad option.
Many were surprised when, following the launch of the iPad Air in November 2013, Apple chose to retain the iPad 2 as the entry-level model for another year.
The iPad 2 hit shops some three years ago, and featured the same non-Retina display as the original iPad whilst slimming down its body considerably.
Now, Apple has somewhat belatedly withdrawn the iPad 2 from sale. In its place we have the return of the iPad 4, which features a significantly more modern set of specifications.
These include a 2,048 x 1,536 Retina display, an enhanced Apple A6X processor, and Apple’s latest Lightning connector standard for charging and wired syncing.
The iPad 4 – or iPad with Retina display, as Apple officially calls it – is now available again in its 16GB iteration for £329. You have a choice of black or white. Alternatively, you can pick up the Wi-Fi and cellular version for £429.
For just £70 more, of course, you can pick up the iPad Air with its revised super-slim design and powerful 64-bit A7 processor.
Apple’s relaunch of of the iPad 4 coincides with the release of a 8GB iPhone 5C model. As predicted yesterday, Apple has addressed disappointing sales of its brightly-coloured plastic ‘budget’ smartphone by launching a cheaper iteration with less storage space.
The 8GB iPhone 5C costs £429 SIM-free, which is just £40 less than the 16GB model.
Read More: Best tablets 2014
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
