Although there have been prior rumors suggesting a lower-cost iPad, a new report from Digitimes adds more fuel to the fire, suggesting the introduction of a new $299 low-end iPad model alongside the iPad 3.
Sources from Apple’s supply chain have claimed that there will be two versions of the new iPad, one targeting the high-end segment and the other the mid-range. Digitimes Research believe the two new iPad models will both be equipped the A6 processor with high-end model coming with a high resolution panel (2048×1536) and the mid-tier model featuring the same grade of panel as iPad 2 (1024×768).
Digitimes admittedly has a spotty record with their rumors and predictions, but considering the availability of competing tablets at cheaper prices, such as the popular Kindle Fire available at $199, bringing a lower-cost iPad model into the fray might be a good idea to help them keep their edge over the competition.
It doesn’t make much sense for Apple to release a new low-end tablet, and makes even less sense to include their upcoming “A6” processor in such a product when they could instead continue offering the iPad 2 at a discounted price, much as they have done with the iPhone in the past.
