iPad Mini Launch: Underwhelming Start or Market Misjudge?
Almost two weeks ago, along with the iPad 4, the new iPad Mini was introduced and, as always, there were both supporters and critics of the new Apple product and the strategy the Californian company is pursuing with it. However, there was a unanimous voice when it came to criticism of the device: The display resolution is too low and the price is too high. This was the major critique circulating on Twitter, Facebook, and across various prominent tech blogs.
Now the iPad Mini is officially available and there are several indications that suggest the new Apple tablet has had a disappointing start — at least for the typically successful company itself. A strong indicator of the success of an Apple product is often seen in the lines that form in front of various Apple Stores at new product launches. This time, however, the lines were apparently largely absent or significantly shorter than expected.
The staff at one of the largest Apple Stores worldwide had to realize at the launch of the iPad Mini that hardly anyone had shown up to queue for the new tablet. This refers to the store opened in 2010 in Covent Garden. The London store had prepared for the usual large rush, but as a Twitter photo reveals, it did not occur:
Apple Store Covent Garden in London; Source: Twitter
Various Apple Stores in the USA and Canada (Houston, Salt Lake City, Toronto …) were similarly surprised by the sparse number of visitors. As Nate from The Digital Reader reported today, the iPad Mini is still available at various electronics retailers, which is rather unusual after a major Apple product launch. It should also be noted that both the iPad 4 and the iPad Mini were launched simultaneously.
But that’s only part of the story. The flagship store in New York had a massive turnout of about 500 people, and in Paris, Amsterdam, and parts of Germany, Apple fans lined up to get the iPad Mini right at the start of sales. Additionally, the Apple website indicates a delivery time of 2 weeks.
So, it’s hard to gauge exactly how well the iPad Mini has sold, but at the very least, the launch of the two new tablets doesn’t seem to have gone as smoothly as Apple is accustomed to.
Image source: Twitter mmalex
