Did Apple Accidentally Reveal its New iPad Strategy?

In 2012, Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) created a vicious cycle when it decided to release the fourth-generation iPad roughly seven months after the third-generation model arrived at retail. The decision surprised many tech enthusiasts, but it was entirely necessary. Without the iPad 4, Apple would have had to rearrange its product lineup for 2013. Before the iPad Mini was unveiled, many expected the iPad 4 to be released in the spring of 2013. If Apple jumped ahead and released it in November 2012, the company could feasibly sit tight for a while and release the iPad 5 and iPad Mini 2 in November 2013. However, if Apple had only released the iPad Mini last fall, it would have likely upgraded the 10-inch model in the spring. This could have divided its customers as they pondered the contents and features of the next iPad, which would have been right around the corner. Thus, Apple did what it...