Apple Debuts Cheaper iPhone 5C, Replaces iPad 2 With iPad 4

Mar 19, 2014 01:39 PM EDT | Matt Mercuro

Apple has confirmed that it will offer an iPad 4 tablet in place of its iPad 2 for the same price in China, Australia, and select European countries, according to Reuters.

A lower capacity version of Apple's plastic-backed iPhone 5C will also be sold in those locations as well.

The iPad 4 goes for approximately $399 for the 16GB Wi-Fi option, and $529 for the 16GB Wi-Fi + model at AT&T Inc., Sprint Corp., T-Mobile US and Verizon Inc.

The iPad 2 was launched in 2011, whereas the fourth-generation 9.7-inch Retina display iPad, was released in 2012.

Apple discontinued the iPad 4 in 2013 when the iPad Air was released.

The price of the iPad 2 was cut to $399 back in 2012.

Apple also confirmed this week an 8GB iPhone 5C will be sold for 429 pounds ($710), 40 pounds cheaper than the 16GB version, in the UK, according to Reuters.

The 8GB 5C device will also be available for purchase in France and Germany.

"We believe this newly configured device will have a lower gross margin as we estimate the difference in cost to Apple for the 8GB of NAND is $5 to $10," Cross Research analyst Shannon Cross wrote in a research note.

Apple feels a move like this could help numbers improve sales numbers for the struggling iPhone 5C.

Before the announcement, the iPhone 4S is the only iPhone available in an 8GB capacity, and is often provided for free with a two-year service plan with a specific wireless company.

Sales for the iPhone 5C have not reached expectations set by Apple, mainly due to the fact that customers are instead choosing the more expensive iPhone 5S, according to Apple Insider.

Apple's shares rose 0.5 percent to $529.60 at noon trading today, March 18, on the Nasdaq.

See Now: OnePlus 6: How Different Will It Be From OnePlus 5?

© 2024 Auto World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Get the Most Popular Autoworld Stories in a Weekly Newsletter

Join the Conversation

Real Time Analytics