iPad® Air 2 Release: A Nation Prepares to Gift Their Old Models

REDWOOD SHORES, California, October 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

The release of a new iPad model is always cause for considerable excitement among those on the cutting edge of tablet-tech, but what of the 200 million iPads currently in circulation? A new survey from Kensington - leading computer accessories manufacturer and creator of a wide range of Apple-certified products - has found that many iPad products enjoy a rich second life once replaced.

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The survey - summarized in a new infographic at Kensington.com - suggests that 73% of upgraders will gift their current iPad. Family members will be the main recipients of these hand-me-down tablets, with four fifths of all tablets gifted going to children, seniors, partners and other family members.

This particular finding is not necessarily news to Kensington's product designers, who have seen significant success with their child-friendly SafeGrip™ rugged tablet cases. "We've seen how the iPad can be a fantastic, intuitive learning and entertainment tool for children" explained Judy Jensen, Global Product Manager at Kensington, "but it's understandable that parents don't entirely trust young children with the latest five to eight hundred dollar model, at least without taking precautions."

The gifting of old tablets has interesting implications for the accessories industry if iPad owners follow through on their intention. Cases, chargers and other peripherals compatible with legacy devices may remain in demand significantly beyond the commercial lifespan of each iPad generation. 51% of those surveyed stated they were most likely to buy some form of cover or case for their current or future tablet.

Such a strong gifting trend is perhaps surprising, considering the persistent resale value of legacy Apple products. Apple themselves have traditionally kept a legacy iPad available as an entry-level model, a fact that no doubt contributed to the popularity of the now almost antique iPad 2 in the study: 24% of all respondents owned an iPad 2, compared with the 16% that own a soon-to-be-replaced iPad Air. With just over half of all respondents owning a 3^rd generation iPad or older, iPad Air 2 may well be the recipient of a wave of first time upgraders.

SOURCE Kensington