Apple keeps iPad Mini, iPad Mini 2, and iPad Air models alive at reduced pricepoints

Apple today introduced two new iPad models, the iPad Air 2 and the iPad Mini 3. While Apple quickly glossed over the iPad Mini 3, it spent a considerable amount of time discussing the iPad Air 2, an upgrade which delivers a host of attractive enhancements such as a blazing fast A8X processor, much improved camera quality, and Touch ID.

While the pricing matrix for Apple's new iPad models remains unchanged, consumers looking to get a capable iPad at a more affordable price are in luck. Phil Schiller announced today that the iPad Mini, the iPad Mini 2, and the original iPad Air will all remain available for purchase at reduced pricepoints.

The original iPad Air can now be picked up for $399 while the iPad Mini 2 and original iPad Mini can be purchased for $299 and $249 respectively.

Phil Schiller made a point of noting during today's keynote that the $249 pricepoint on the original iPad Mini represents the lowest pricepoint ever for any iPad model.