When it comes to purchasing a new Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) tablet computer, price is no object. A recent report from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners indicates the iPad Air made up almost half (about 41 percent) of all iPad sales.
iPad Air more popular than cheaper iPad
The iPad Air saw a small decline in sales compared to last year. The iPad with Retina display had a 43 percent share in December 2012. Overall, the iPad Air still scored better than the iPad Mini 2, which garnered a 16 percent share. Interestingly enough, this survey also shows sales for the iPad 2 are still relatively strong though the numbers are declining fast. Last year, the iPad 2 accounted for 27 percent share, which is comparable to last quarter’s 5 percent.
Mike Levin, co-founder for CIRP, explained, “Apple managed to shift significant sales to its higher-priced models. For the past year, the legacy iPad 2 grabbed from one-quarter to one-third of iPad sales. Along with the trend toward sale of models with larger storage capacities, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) should see higher iPad average selling prices, with iPad 2 at only 5 percent of total sales and iPad mini sales split between the original model and the new iPad mini with Retina display.”
It’s predicted Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) will share official sales numbers for their tablets during next week’s quarterly earnings call.
Consumer Intelligence Research Partners conducted a poll of 500 consumers in the United States who purchased an Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) product somewhere between October through December.
iPhone 5C repairs now available at Apple stores
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) retail stores now are equipped to fix iPhone 5C screens. The service starts at $149. Last summer, Apple retail shops started to offer screen repair services in store. Previously, the store would have to send customer phones to repair centers at off-site locations and charge customers $229. Although this report was sourced from unnamed Apple store employee, the company declined to comment.
