When Apple announced on Tuesday that it would still be selling the iPad 2 alongside the new iPad Air and Retina display iPad mini, not a few observers were at least mildly perplexed. How could Apple still sell such ancient technology? Because you’re still buying it, that’s why!
The iPad 2 accounted for some 22 percent of iPad sales in the September quarter, down significantly from prior quarters, but it appears there is still more than enough demand for a cheaper, full-size iPad, particularly for the education sector.
The research, from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners, shows the iPad 2 is still grabbing a nice slice of the iPad sales pie.
“Despite this quarter including back-to-school sales, the iPad 2, which accounted for a third of sales for the prior six months, seems to have started to show some age, after several strong quarters,” said Josh Lowitz, Partner and Co-Founder of CIRP. “Yet, the iPad Mini continued its relative share in the past few quarters, as customers seem to continue to like it as a low-price tablet alternative.”
The full-size iPad 4 was the most popular iPad in the quarter, taking nearly half of U.S. sales. The iPad mini grabbed about a third of the sales.
A very wise person once said, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” And Apple seems to be taking that adage to heart when it comes to the iPad 2.
