Apple's partners in Asia have already started producing the new model of the iPad 2 tablet and according to those from AppleInsider, the 3G version of the iPad is the most popular, with Apple choosing that over 60% of the first tablet stock be 3G. Apparently, Apple believes that customers will choose to purchase this model even though it is more expensive than the Wi-Fi Only one by at least $100. Appleinsider received the information from an Asian analyst, who claims that Apple intends to strengthen collaborative relations with mobile operators, indicating that we could see the tablet being offered at a subsidized price through some operators.
As previously reported, Apple is expected to offer its second-gen iPad in three versions: a WiFi only model, a GSM/UMTS version for AT&T and most other carriers globally, and a CDMA/EVDO model for Verizon (and possibly other CDMA carriers in the future). The naming convention for these three models is said to be K93, K94 and K95, respectively. For comparison, the Verizon iPhone 4 shipping this month is codenamed N92.
According to the same analyst, Apple intends to accumulate a stock of 5 million tablets, the product being available in 3 versions: Wi-Fi Only, UMTS/GSM and 3G CDMA/EVDO. Each model of the iPad tablet has an internal code name used by employees to identify the tablets and references to the codes K93, K94 and K95 (corresponding to the 3 models of the tablet) were found in the iOS 4.3 beta files. In the past months, the average price recorded by Apple for the sale of iPad tablets was $600, while the cheapest iPad Wi-Fi Only tablet costs $499 and the cheapest 3G model costs $629. Considering this statistic, it is normal for Apple to focus more on the 3G model.
The statistic is also confirmed by the Digitmes website, which claims that 65%/75% of the tablets sold by Apple in December were the 3G version, a sign that users prefer the model that gives them the possibility of always being connected to the Internet. Regardless of what Apple chooses to produce, it is important to have enough in stock to avoid the situation last year when many customers could not purchase iPad tablets from Apple stores.
Still, this isn't the first time that sources close to Apple's manufacturing partners have indicated that sales of 3G iPads are now outpacing WiFi models. The widely cited Taiwanese DigiTimes recently reported that 60 to 65% of all iPads Apple was shipping around the December timeframe were 3G models.
The publication went on to similarly predict that consumers were beginning to prefer models that are able to remain connected to the Internet at all times, adding that Apple was "aiming to work even more closely with telecom carriers by offering more wireless solutions for iPad 2 to satisfy market demand."
