Leak rebuffs Apple tablet shortage claim

Talk of an iPad shortage in March was rejected today in a reported leak from within Foxconn's own part suppliers. They claim that the components are on track and that Apple should get about 600,000 to 700,000 iPads in March, or at least twice as many as suggested by one Canaccord Adams analyst. The same sources also tell DigiTimes that 1 million of the tablets are expected in April and that they still expect Apple to launch the hardware on time.

Fears of a shortfall were originally sparked after talk of a possible but still unnamed glitch in production. The shortfall, if true, would risk delaying the entire launch schedule or else creating a longer-term shortage.

Delays have already been a rumored part of Apple's decision to ship the iPad in March and are often believed to have centered on the need for strong glass on the tablet's relatively large 9.7-inch display. The company has never said why the 3G version is shipping a month later, though Apple is known to stagger releases to avoid prolonged shortages.

Low supply has been a staple of the e-reader industry as the special needs of these displays make them harder to produce than regular notebook or cellphone screens, although these gaps have usually touched e-paper. Apple is one of the few to use more commonly available LCDs but is also depending on one of the largest multi-touch displays ever for a handheld.

By Electronista Staff