Apple has quietly retired the iPad 2, instead bringing the iPad 4 back as the budget full-sized iPad option.
Many were surprised when, following the launch of the iPad Air in November 2013, Apple chose to retain the iPad 2 as the entry-level model for another year.
The iPad 2 hit shops some three years ago, and featured the same non-Retina display as the original iPad whilst slimming down its body considerably.
Now, Apple has somewhat belatedly withdrawn the iPad 2 from sale. In its place we have the return of the iPad 4, which features a significantly more modern set of specifications.
These include a 2,048 x 1,536 Retina display, an enhanced Apple A6X processor, and Apple’s latest Lightning connector standard for charging and wired syncing.
The iPad 4 - or iPad with Retina display, as Apple officially calls it - is now available again in its 16GB iteration for £329. You have a choice of black or white. Alternatively, you can pick up the Wi-Fi and cellular version for £429.
For just £70 more, of course, you can pick up the iPad Air with its revised super-slim design and powerful 64-bit A7 processor.
Apple’s relaunch of of the iPad 4 coincides with the release of a 8GB iPhone 5C model. As predicted yesterday, Apple has addressed disappointing sales of its brightly-coloured plastic 'budget' smartphone by launching a cheaper iteration with less storage space.
The 8GB iPhone 5C costs £429 SIM-free, which is just £40 less than the 16GB model.
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