Apple Discontinues All But Dark Gray Smart Covers, Cases For Older 9.7-Inch iPads
by Joe White
November 1, 2013
The iPad Air is now available to order in the Apple Online Store, and as such, Apple appears to have discontinued all of its Smart Covers and Smart Cases for older 9.7-inch iPads - save for its dark gray offerings.
The covers and cases, which can be purchased in the Apple Online Store for $39.00 and $49.00 respectively, offer degrees of protection for the tablet. Though Apple is still offering its iPad 2 to consumers (albeit to our surprise), it seems that its Smart Cover and Smart Case offerings are indeed now limited to the one rather unattractive color option.
As a reminder, Smart Covers and Smart Cases in a number of different colors are available for the iPad Air and iPad mini. The iPad mini with Retina display is also set to receive its own covers and cases, once it launches "later in November."
Of course, if Apple's main target market for the iPad 2 is indeed the education sector, it's likely that a range of colorful Smart Covers and Smart Cases aren't necessary. Color options are appreciated by the individual consumer, and it could be that Apple expects this demographic to choose either an iPad Air, iPad mini, or iPad mini with Retina display, rather than the iPad 2 (as we indeed advise).
Given that the iPad 2 is priced at $399, the A7-equipped iPad mini with Retina display - which carries the same price tag - is indeed a better option.
Apple's iPad Air can be ordered now in the Apple Online Store, and prices in the United States start at $499.
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