An Apple spokesperson has confirmed that iPad 2 is on track to launch internationally on March 25, in accordance with the company’s initial announcement.
Because of the massive earthquake hitting Japan, where five of the main iPad 2 components are manufactured, Apple’s already strained iPad 2 stock was believed to be affected.
iSuppli, a listed research firm, has noted that although some of the suppliers' factories remain undamaged, "delivery of components from all of these companies is likely to be impacted at least to some degree by logistical issues now plaguing most Japanese industries in the quake zone."
The firm specifically said in its March 17 report that Apple was likely to encounter logistical disruptions and supply shortages caused by hard-to-replace parts making up the iPad 2, like “the compass, the battery and possibly the advanced technology glass in the display.”
A translation error on the Czech Apple website further fueled speculation that Apple was delaying the international iPad 2 launch, after the company itself had confirmed shipment delays for earthquake stricken Japan.
However, "Everything that is on [Apple's U.K.] website still holds true; the website says 25 March and that's when it'll be," an Apple spokesperson told TechRadar.
Since its official debut on March 2, demand for the second-generation Apple tablet has been tremendous.
Not only does Apple have to cope with production difficulties likely posed by the disaster striking its component manufacturers, the tech giant will also need to have partner Foxconn ramp up assembly.
Still, with the Apple spokesperson saying their original timeframe is still in place, the iPad 2 is scheduled to ship March 25 in dozens more countries, including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the U.K.
Because of the massive earthquake hitting Japan, where five of the main iPad 2 components are manufactured, Apple’s already strained iPad 2 stock was believed to be affected.
iSuppli, a listed research firm, has noted that although some of the suppliers' factories remain undamaged, "delivery of components from all of these companies is likely to be impacted at least to some degree by logistical issues now plaguing most Japanese industries in the quake zone."
The firm specifically said in its March 17 report that Apple was likely to encounter logistical disruptions and supply shortages caused by hard-to-replace parts making up the iPad 2, like “the compass, the battery and possibly the advanced technology glass in the display.”
A translation error on the Czech Apple website further fueled speculation that Apple was delaying the international iPad 2 launch, after the company itself had confirmed shipment delays for earthquake stricken Japan.
However, "Everything that is on [Apple's U.K.] website still holds true; the website says 25 March and that's when it'll be," an Apple spokesperson told TechRadar.
Since its official debut on March 2, demand for the second-generation Apple tablet has been tremendous.
Not only does Apple have to cope with production difficulties likely posed by the disaster striking its component manufacturers, the tech giant will also need to have partner Foxconn ramp up assembly.
Still, with the Apple spokesperson saying their original timeframe is still in place, the iPad 2 is scheduled to ship March 25 in dozens more countries, including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the U.K.
