Apple flogged 3 million of its newest iPads -- the iPad with retina display and its Mini-Me, the iPad mini -- last weekend. The Californian company boasts this is a record for its tablets, doubling the 1.5 million Wi-Fi only iPad 3s it shifted after its first three days on sale in March.
That's pretty darn quick -- Asus last week revealed it has also shipped out 3 million of its superbly cheap Nexus 7 tablets, but the iPad mini's closest competitor went on sale back in July, well over 120 days ago. Samsung's Galaxy Note 2 -- a little smaller, but not by much -- hit the 3 million mark in just over a month.
It's hard to compare like for like here, but all these numbers give us some idea of relative popularity. Apple hasn't said how many iPad minis it sold compared to retina iPads, possibly because it doesn't want stories about cannibalising its own sales. It does, however, give genuine sales figures, whereas Samsung and Asus tend to put out numbers for units shipped -- ie how many tablets or phones have left the factory and reached shop shelves, as opposed to being bought by punters.
The iPad mini sold out in some big Apple Stores last weekend, but not others. It should be perfectly possible to walk into any Apple shop now and pick one up. The online delivery date is currently at two weeks direct from Apple's website.
Meanwhile, an analysis of the materials used in the iPad mini by teardown specialists IHS iSupply claims the £269 16GB iPad mini costs $188 (£118) for the parts and $10 (£4.40) for 'manufacturing expense'. There's no way of knowing if that's accurate -- Apple's contracts with its suppliers are top-secret, so it could well be getting a much better deal on those parts, particularly as it's buying millions of them.
The price doesn't take into account how much it costs to design a new product, or develop and maintain its software -- costs the iPad mini will share with its iPad and iPhone brethren. Nevertheless, if that educated guess is accurate, it shows just what bargains the £159 Google Nexus 7 and Amazon Kindle Fire HD are, thanks to generous subsidies from their makers, who are desperate to add you as a paying customer for their apps and services.
The last few weeks have seen some of the most high-profile launches in recent years. It's been exhausting but hugely exciting for us tech hacks -- keep your dial locked to CNET UK for tonnes more videos, camera tests, comparisons and how tos on all these top-notch gadgets. Let me know what you'd like to see in the comments, or over on Facebook.
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Comments 6
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anonymous 6 November, 2012 20:17
Why do we care how much Apple ships? Why does it matter?
anonymous 6 November, 2012 21:45
"Why do we care how much Apple ships?"
To be a bit pedantic, it's not the number they ship, Apple give out actual retail sales figures.
They know these because they retail the bulk of the product themselves and all activation registrations are obviously on their systems..
"Why does it matter?"
It's a news story because it's Apple. Anything good, bad, tenuous or just made up get's reported because it makes "good copy' and get's lots of hits from Apple fans, foaming fandroids and the curious. Sites need hits.
anonymous 7 November, 2012 08:11
Yes when Apple competitors are concerned nice words like 'superbly cheap' or 'thanks to generous subsidies'/
When Apple is concerned be my guess.
anonymous 7 November, 2012 17:33
Twelve years ago apple was one billion dollar in red and to turn around in profits in billions we really have to appreciate what Steve jibs and his team has done. I have not seen any such transformation in any business. So I congratulate apple every time they sale their new product with such a ease where it's compeititors have to struggle to sell same amount of product for quite a long time. Well done apple keep bringing new products and I will keep buying .
Apple customer.
anonymous 9 November, 2012 09:15
@anon 17:33
good to know someone is talking sense here :)
anonymous 10 November, 2012 00:07
Our nearest Apple Store has sold out of stock again. They sold out last weekend after the launch and their next delivery has now all gone as well. Ordering is the best bet at the moment.