Apple almost released an iPad with 8GB of storage back in 2011. But it scrapped the idea and kept the 16GB of base storage.
Apple Wanted to Release iPad 2 with 8GB of Storage Alongside iPad 3 as a Cheaper Option
If you think 8GB of memory is less for iPad, you’re right. But do keep in mind we are talking about 2011 here, a time when apps and games were just a few megabytes and iOS didn’t take that much space.
In fact, if you can recall, Apple’s original iPhone model back from 2007 was available with 4GB of internal storage as well, apart from the 8GB one everyone knows and talks about.
When we think about the 8GB model of the second-generation iPad, it makes a little bit of sense. Apple wanted to capture the lower-priced tablet market, but decided against it.
The prototype of the 8GB iPad 2 exists and it was manufactured in 2011, and AppleDemoYT showed it off on their YouTube channel as well.
It runs SwitchBoard software, which is not iOS, of course, since this special software is meant for testing purposes only.
The goal was to release the third-generation iPad with Retina display for $499, and offer people a cheaper alternative by selling the iPad 2 with 8GB of storage alongside it. Apple decided against it and kept the 16GB iPad 2 around for $399 instead.
It’s always fascinating to see the sort of decisions that are made in the background when products are being prepared.
