Although Apple has decided not to stop the production of the iPhone 4 to capture the emerging markets, iPad second generation, introduced in 2011, could not escape this fate. According to MacRumors, the company is no longer going to produce this tablet, because the demand for it has fallen markedly because of the high popularity of the new iPad mini and iPad Air.

Last year the production of iPad 2 Apple has appeared to be unprofitable, so now the corporation will sell the remaining stock, and then, most likely, will remove the tablet from its online store.

Apple iPad 2 positioned as the cheapest 9.7-inch tablet from its lineup. It so happens that the new iPad “survived” his two successors (iPad 3 and iPad 4), which are rapidly disappearing from the shops of the company after the presentation of the new tablet. And as for iPad 2 specifications significantly inferior to them (he was not even equipped with a screen Retina), it allowed Apple to lower the price and make it into a kind of budgetary system.

Now, its existence is not necessary. The American online store Apple iPad 2 in the minimum configuration costs $ 399 – as much as a similar version of the iPad mini. The Russian Online Store is even worse: a younger version of the second generation iPad for three thousand rubles more mini. But unlike its predecessor, iPad mini is incredibly popular.

Apple has had two ways out of this situation: either reduce the price of iPad 2 to $ 300 and below, or to opt out of its production. In the first case, the company would expose themselves if not critical, but still material risk, because the demand for this tablet has fallen dramatically in the beginning of last year. Therefore, in Cupertino approved more comfortable the second option.

iPad 2 is widely used in educational programs , but last fall he was replaced by iPad Air. Last only $ 100 more expensive, but is lighter, thinner, faster and more productive. And if the difference in the 100 dollars is too palpable for buyers, they can always choose the iPad mini.

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Earlier this week it was reported that Apple has patented a special technique involving the use of sapphire as a coating display future iPhone. Only a few days, while Taiwan portal Apple Daily, known for its reliable sources, has already announced the start of the test production of the first batch of iPhone major supplier of Apple – the company Foxconn.

According to MacRumors, just 100 units were produced with sapphire glass cover, which currently are undergoing the first test. Although mass production of next-generation iPhone is not running, you can safely assume that in the future the corporation plans to abandon the use of glass Gorilla Glass sapphire in favor of its counterpart. Another question – will it happen this year.

It also reported that the company Synopsys and Bern Optics, the main suppliers of sapphire for Apple, investing large amounts of cash for the purchase of additional equipment to meet future needs in the technology giant sapphire protective glasses for the iPhone. In addition, Cupertino negotiations with the Swiss company Meyer Burger Technologies – manufacturer of machines for processing of rare materials.

Apple uses sapphire already in their devices, but not in such quantity. Sapphire crystal is used to protect the camera iPhone, and also covers the fingerprint reader Touch ID in iPhone 5s . To establish production of protective glass for displays its smartphones, the company will have to acquire reliable suppliers who are able to avoid the acute shortage of spare parts during the high demand for iPhone.

In November last year it was reported that Apple is going to build a plant for the production of sapphire crystal in Mesa, Arizona. His new project the corporation sells together with GT Advanced Technologies. The latter, incidentally, has recently started to recruit employees to the new factory.

Use protective coating sapphire allow Apple to significantly increase lifespan displays iPhone, because, as you know, broken screen gadget – one of the most common reasons for a service call.

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The use of plastic as a component in the production of mobile phone cases, the idea is not new. Moreover, cost-justified. Manufacture of plastic on the market – is a multibillion-dollar business, and, with a noticeable increase expected in the coming years.

First – the portion of figures and statistics. Global: valuation of the market for molded plastic components used in the industry of mobile phones is set in the amount of U.S. $ 3.5 billion – is the data expected by the end of 2013. It is interesting to compare: in 2012 this amounted to $ 3.3 billion (according to research IHS Chemical ). Income from plastic components will grow in the future, projected the same IHS Inc., By 2017 growth of 27% and will reach 4.5 billion, which is more than one billion dollars in just four years.

By studying the issue and deepened, it is interesting to look at the growth of output, compared to the physical quantities – namely, weight. Total use of plastic in the manufacturing of mobile phones is projected to increase from 282,000 tons in 2013 to 336,000 tons in 2017, and it is quite a lot.

“The plastic polycarbonate shell of the new iPhone 5s weighs only 14.2 grams on the results of its own detailed disassembly of the machine IHS », – said Jagdish Rebello, Ph.D., senior director of Consumer Affairs and Communications IHS Inc. “Following forecasts of 20 million sold iPhone 5c until the end of 2013, the total consumption of polycarbonate resin will be 283 tons for the production of one unit and only one block away. With the release of iPhone 5c, Apple has become part of a growing wave of consumption of plastic is not only in the segment of mobile phone manufacturers, but also in the general segment of the electronics industry. “ 

It is clear that Apple’s decision to use plastic enclosures for 5c partly explained by the desire to offer a lower cost of the device (and we know that Apple is not very successful , ca. ed.), reducing the production costs – the cost of iPhone 5c for the company is lower than any other in the entire line of iPhone (173 U.S. dollars per iPhone 5c c 16 GB of memory, the production of the iPhone 5 in the same modifications break the $ 197, it’s the data IHS Research). Also, the use of plastic has allowed Apple to offer customers a greater number and variety of color options than ever before. This is consistent with recent trends in lower prices and a simultaneous increase in the differentiation of devices in the mobile industry. There is just opinion confirmed the loss of Apple dominant positions, the company actually follows the trends and directions, and does not ask them myself, not looking around as before.

“The plastic components are becoming more important in mobile phones, smart phones, and especially in” – says Kristin Squires, a consultant IHS on the chemical industry. “Against the background of growing competition original equipment manufacturers (OEM) are seeking ways to reduce the cost of raw materials, manufacturing and assembly. The use of plastic provides many ways to cut costs. “

Meanwhile, manufacturers are trying to differentiate their products by creating an aesthetically appealing to their consumers smartphones.

“High-precision machining of metal components in the iPhone 5s in the early model – iPhone 5 requires much higher tolerances in the manufacturing process and causes an increase in the cost of installation. Apple Back-to-use plastic casings and components – an indication that this is only the beginning of the plastic housing is not going anywhere, “- says Jagdish Rebello.

Mobile industry requirements suggest the use of various plastic resins, including ABS, polycarbonate, nylon, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). ABS and polycarbonate are attractive materials for exterior components, because of their durability and aesthetic appeal. The phone case is made of polycarbonate can be chemically processed to form a coating that prevents scratches.

In addition, plastics are used in the manufacture of other components, starting with clips, brackets and frames the screen and ending with the insulating layers and vibrating pillows. IHS Inc. predicts that the demand for ABS and polycarbonate will grow, the cumulative growth rate in 2017 will amount to 7 and 4.5 per cent respectively.

According to studies IHS Inc. and resource AppleDailyReport

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