Here’s why Apple’s Retina iPad mini launch was so surprisingly quiet

After all this time, Apple’s iPad is still the most beloved tablet

Apple surprised anxious fans around the world earlier this week when it quietly launched its new second-generation iPad mini tablet in the middle of the night with no warning. Those who had been eagerly awaiting the new high-definition mini slate scrambled to place their orders as soon as they woke up and read the news — and therein lies Apple’s logic in debuting the new Retina iPad mini so quietly. According to Internet Marketer Ed Dale, this was a carefully calculated move on Apple’s part, and a smart one as well.

Apple’s Retina iPad mini supply is ridiculously constrained. We all read the rumors that had been trickling out over the past few months, and this quiet launch solidifies them. According to a recent report from a very solid source, manufacturing difficulties will mean Apple only ships about 2.3 million Retina iPad mini tablets this quarter. Unfortunately for consumers, that will likely only cover a fraction of demand.

So, how does Apple ensure that its loudest, most dedicated fans procure their new iPad minis when supply is so short?

From Ed Dale:

By soft releasing the iPad Mini Retina, Apple achieved three crucial things.

No further explanation needed.

Apple’s iPad mini with Retina display is available now — if you can find one — starting at $399 with Wi-Fi only and $539 with 4G LTE.

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This article was originally published on BGR.com

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