Apple begins selling refurbished iPad 2s
updated 04:30 pm EDT, Wed August 31, 2011
Initial options limited to 32, 64GB tablets
Apple has for the first time begun selling refurbished iPad 2s through its online store. Selection is currently limited to 32 or 64GB capacities, and predominantly 3G models, equipped for either AT&T or Verizon. The two exceptions are 64GB Wi-Fi tablets in either black or white.
The Wi-Fi options are in fact the cheapest amongst the refurbs, costing $649 each. 32GB 3G tablets are $679, and pricing shoots up to $779 for 64GB 3G. The costs are nevertheless better than the respective $699, $729 and $829 Apple charges for new hardware. Refurbished iPads are used products, but include new batteries and outer shells, as well as one-year warranties.
Today's development marks a small milestone in iPad 2 sales. It implies that the company now has enough returned stock to sell refurbished units, and also that the product is now in the later phases of its shelf life. The absence of 16GB refurbs may suggest though that Apple is enjoying healthy sellthrough of new low-end iPads.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 1999
The refurb store ...
is a way to explore alternative pricing & its effect on demand. Obviously it's not triggered by catch-as-catch-can availability of units -- but by a pool of units of the requisite type.