According to DigiTimes, sources within Apple’s “upstream supply chain” are saying the company will release an 8GB iPad 2 alongside the highly anticipated iPad 3. Such a move would make sense. After all, Apple is under pressure in the lower tiers by the $199 Amazon Kindle. Right above Apple’s iPad are the many $300-$400 Android tablets. Keeping the iPad 2 around after the launch of its successor and making an even cheaper version will cover a wider price range within the tablet market, not to mention, keeping Apple as the main focus despite the upcoming launch of Windows 8 tablets.
This wouldn’t be the first time Apple has released a lower capacity iOS device. When the iPhone 4 was released, they created an 8GB iPhone 3GS priced at $99 and did the same thing with the 4 when the iPhone 4S was announced last September.
DigiTimes’ report went on to say that Apple might abandon its 64GB iPad model and just sell its 16 and 32GB versions, though justification for such a move is still unknown.
So, these are the latest rumors surrounding the iPad event scheduled for 10:00 am PST on Wednesday, March 7th. When the day arrives, be sure to check back here for live-coverage of the event.
