--Wal-Mart, Best Buy discount different iPads

--Price cuts raise speculation about Apple devices on the way

--Retailers say reductions are linked to spring sales

Two big retailers say their iPad discounts are simple spring sales, not a sign tablet maker Apple Inc. (AAPL) is about to spring a new device on the world.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT) and Best Buy Co. (BBY) have cut prices on some iPads, offering discounts of as much as 30%. The moves raised speculation the retailers may be trying to reduce their inventory of iPads ahead of a new offering from Apple.

Both retailers quashed that speculation, and Apple didn't respond immediately to messages for comment.

Thursday, Wal-Mart cut $30 off its price for 16-gigabyte iPad minis with Wi-Fi, selling them online and in store for $299. Spokeswoman Sarah Spencer said the price reduction is timed for Mother's Day, Father's Day and graduation gifts. She said the lower price is temporary, but Wal-Mart would be restocking stores with more of the tablets at the lower price for the time being.

Best Buy has been selling its inventory of the third-generation iPad at a 30% discount for nearly three weeks as part of a spring clearance, spokesman Jeff Haydock said. Supplies of the third-generation iPad are spotty at stores, he said, and the sale would clear out inventory of the discontinued product. IPads still in production--iPad 2, iPad mini and the latest iPad--are being sold as usual.

Apple started selling the latest iPad and iPad mini in November.

Wal-Mart shares rose 19 cents Friday to $76.39, Best Buy climbed 32 cents to $25.45, and Apple fell 1.1% to $423.20.

Write to Joan E. Solsman at joan.solsman@dowjones.com

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04-05-13 1708ET