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Reuters

Apple has finally retired the iPad 2 from its tablet line up, replacing it with the fourth-generation iPad with Retina Display, which will now serve as the new entry-level 'full-size' tablet at $399 (£240 aprox).

The Wi-Fi only variant will retail at $399, while the variant with cellular connectivity will be priced at $529 (£317 aprox).

This development comes right after recent rumours of the 4the generation iPad replacing the second generation model in the low-end 9.7 inch category.

The fourth generation iPad also uses the same thicker design that was introduced with the iPad 2 and is powered by Apple's A6X processor. The slate uses a a 5 MP iSight camera in the rear and a 1.2 MP FaceTime camera for selfies and video chats.

With the removal of the iPad 2 from its line up, all of Apple's tablets now use the company's Lightning connector — the iPad 2 was the only model left with the old 30-pin adapter. With this latest reshuffle, Apple has ensured that its Apple iOS device lineup has become Lightning-Only, since the company has dropped the 30 pin standard on most of its products.

Apple also launched a cheaper 8GB model of the iPhone 5C today to boost dipping sales. The new 8GB iPhone 5c is identical to the 16GB model in every way except storage space, featuring a 4in Retina display, 8 megapixel camera and Apple's A6 processor.

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