Apple and U.S. retail giant Best Buy are signalling that the iPad 5 launch is coming soon as the duo dangle the fourth-gen iPad with Retina for only $300, significantly shaving off from its original unlocked price mark of $500.

But to avail of the alluring $200 discount, iPad shoppers need to bring with them and surrender their old and still working iPad 2 and iPad 3. In exchange, they'll get a Best Buy gift card that is redeemable when upgrading to iPad 4.

Note, however, that the $200 git card is reserved only for iPads in near-perfect state, meaning no nicks and scruffs. The beat downs will likely get a lower appraisal.

The latest Best Buy trade-in promo runs from July 12 and 13 and customers need to physically visit the retailer's outlet nearest to them, CNET said on its report.

Obviously, the iPad deal is geared for U.S-based shoppers but it sends out a universal signal for those anticipating the fifth iPad build, which according to analysts is flashing a new look that will remind of the first iPad Mini.

While the only confirmed specs about the iPad 5 is it will run on the redesigned iOS 7, most experts look to a late September or early October release date basing on the clue provided by Apple CEO Tim Cook.

Mr Cook said earlier this year that big surprises will start to unwrap by fall of 2013 in the United States, which is September 21 onwards.

And prior to the so-called iPhone 5S and iPad 5 D-Day, which analysts said will take place in short intervals, it should be expected that Apple's retail partners, including the tech giant's store outlets, will attempt to push old stocks in large numbers.

The ploy is seen to clear our inventories and make way for the arrival of fresh shipments.

As Best Buy has attested, similar promotional deals involving the iPhone 5 and older editions lead to record business in a single day, which proved that efforts to sweep out previous iOS device models get effective results through such limited offers.

It was unclear, however, if the gift cards to be obtained from the swapping promo can be used by those opting to wait out for the reportedly sexier, lighter but more powerful iPad 5.