After stellar innings, Apple is reportedly ready to retire the iPad 2

After a stellar innings, Apple is reportedly planning to retire the iPad 2
One foot in the grave?

After three years of service, during which it outlived two more-advanced models and overcame hurtful jibes over its non-Retina display, Apple may be ready to let the iPad 2 move on to the great silicon playground in the sky.

AppleInsider brings word from sources 'familiar with Apple's plans' claiming iPad 2 production is being wound-up ahead of an official discontinuation of the device first launched in 2011.

The tablet, alongside the original iPad mini, has been retained by Apple to sit beneath the current-generation iPad Air and iPad mini 2 with Retina display tablets as cheaper, non-HD options.

The new iPad (iPad 3) and somewhat negligible iPad 4 update, both offering Retina, have both come and gone since the iPad 2 launch, underlining the first sequel's enduring popularity.

Goodnight, sweet prince

So why is Apple reportedly ready to pull the plug now, at a time when more affordable tablets are all the rage and following a recent study suggesting it is still the company's most used tablet?

Well three years might not sound like a long time in real life, but in Apple terms it equates to the passage of time between ice ages. Well, approximately.

If the company does decide to put the iPad 2 out to stud, it will be interesting to see whether it still supports forthcoming software updates like this year's expected iOS 8.

Via GigaOm

Chris Smith

A technology journalist, writer and videographer of many magazines and websites including T3, Gadget Magazine and TechRadar.com. He specializes in applications for smartphones, tablets and handheld devices, with bylines also at The Guardian, WIRED, Trusted Reviews and Wareable. Chris is also the podcast host for The Liverpool Way. As well as tech and football, Chris is a pop-punk fan and enjoys the art of wrasslin'.