Apple’s product line is pretty predictable, turning out updates on its product line on a regular cycle. Once a year consumers are treated to an updated iPhone, iPad, and updated Mac line. However, on the contrary, there seems to be a new Android device every week. Just when you thought you had the latest and greatest Android device, a newer Android device comes out and outperforms your month-old device (and is probably running a newer version of Android to boot). In many cases, newer Android devices have only slight tweaks, a couple of megahertz more on the processor here or a few more pixels per inch there.
The latest rumors surrounding Apple’s event next week may indicate that Apple too is now slowly “going the way of the Android.” New reports are stating that not only is Apple introducing the iPad Mini, but an updated iPad. The updated iPad will sport a thinner body and Apple’s new Lightning port instead of the 30-pin dock connector. Apple may also update the LTE chip to the same chipset in the iPhone 5, one that supports global LTE bands. Everything else will remain the same, from the processor to the display, down to the prices.
This strategy is way too familiar to the upgrade-often ecosystem of Android, and like many Android owners, leave early adopters frustrated with the fact that their six-month-old iPad is now “out of date” or “last year’s model”. Furthermore, reports are stating now that Apple is going to discontinue the iPad 2 as well, leaving customers with the choice of a $499 full-sized iPad or a rumored $249 iPad Mini.
This is certainly a bold move by Apple, if it is indeed done, and further proof that the pressure of Android’s rising market share is have a bigger effect on Apple than they are probably willing to admit.
