The first-generation iPad Mini has become available in the new Space Gray color option that Apple recently introduced, replacing the black and slate color options of the original tablet.

The new color option for the iPad Mini has become available in some Apple stores, as well as online. The Space Gray iPad Mini started arriving at a number of Apple brick-and-mortar stores, but stock is reportedly still limited for the time being. With low initial supply, some stores have already sold out of the tablet.

The Space Gray color option matches one of the flavors of the recently-launched iPhone 5S flagship and it seems to be quite popular among consumers. Just to be clear, the iPad Mini that is now available in Space Gray is the original, first-generation tablet, not the brand new iPad Mini with Retina display the company unveiled on Oct. 22. The second-generation iPad Mini will not launch until later in November.

The greatest criticism Apple faced with its original iPad Mini was the lack of a Retina display, but the smaller tablet proved to be widely successful nonetheless. With the launch of the new iPad Mini with Retina display, Apple has also dropped the price of the original iPad Mini. The Wi-Fi-only version of the slate is now available for $299, seizing the entry-level spot. The iPad Mini with Retina display, meanwhile, will start at $399.

The original iPad Mini in Space Gray coating comes in two models: 16GB Wi-Fi and 16GB Wi-Fi + Cellular. Interested buyers can order the Space Gray iPad Mini from Apple's online store, where the silver option is listed as well. The Wi-Fi + Cellular version is in stock for Sprint, AT&T, and Verizon Wireless, and it will land on T-Mobile as well on Oct. 31. The 16GB Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad Mini sports a $429 price tag.

The first-generation iPad Mini may not boast Apple's much-touted Retina display, but it packs some powerful specs and features that attracted plenty of iFans. With a new color option and reduced price tag, Apple hopes to see even more units make their way to consumers' holiday shopping lists.