Stocks of Apple’s most affordable iPad model are reportedly running low at retail stores and online. The depleted stocks come just ahead of next week’s big Apple event, where the new iPhone 13 and Apple Watch Series 7 are expected to debut, possibly alongside other devices and accessories.
Shipping times for the eighth-generation iPad have slid into October, showing three to six week wait times. Some stores in the United States, China, Japan, and some countries in Europe are showing the iPad as “currently unavailable.
Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman says Apple has told retail employees “not to speculate why to consumers.” Gurman adds: “Any guesses why?”
Gurman is referring to previously published rumors that Apple will soon launch a ninth-generation low-cost 10.5-inch iPad, which is expected to feature a thinner form factor, as well as improved performance and graphics.
The tablet is rumored to boast 4GB RAM with a Touch ID Home button and Lightning port. As with past versions of the iPad, it will be tailored towards students and other users looking for an affordable tablet option.
Apple Tuesday announced it will hold a digital event on Tuesday, September 14 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time (1:00 p.m. Eastern Time). The event will be held at Steve Job Theater, which is located on the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California.
The new event will be held digitally, with no in-person attendees. We can expect to see pre-recorded segments for each new product unveiling.
Apple is also rumored to be working on a redesigned iPad mini, but that device is not expected to debut at Tuesday’s event. Rumors have suggested that we’ll see at least two Apple events this fall, with both possibly taking place during September. However, it is more likely that we see the second event take place in October or sometime a bit later.