With no fanfare from Apple, the original iPad Mini has been removed from the Apple Online Store. As can be seen in our screenshot, the tablet no longer appears in the list of iPad models that can be purchased new through Apple’s website, which invites speculation that Apple is freeing up space in preparation for the launch of the rumored iPad Mini 3.
9TO5Mac has given the first generation iPad Mini something of a send-off today, pointing out that the tablet’s design, which introduced proportionally much thinner bezels in the iPad line when the smaller tablet was launched in October 2012, has since been adopted for the iPad Mini 2 and 3 and the larger iPad Air and Air 2 models. Unsurprisingly, however, the tablet was suffering from aging hardware at the time of its removal.
The original Mini was last available new through Apple’s website as a 16GB model priced at $249. The Apple Online Store continues to sell refurbished versions of the tablet, while it might still be possible to find new versions available from third party resellers until this stock runs out.
