Report calls for iPad 2 production in Feb., iPhone 5 in May
updated 10:30 am EST, Mon January 24, 2011
Initial iPad 2 numbers could be limited
Second-generation iPad production should begin in February, while the fifth-generation iPhone will start assembly in May, says China's Commercial Times. iPad production is only expected to begin with a "small pilot," which might once again put a crunch on early availability. Second-quarter shipments however are forecast to grow dramatically, potentially exceeding the quantity of first-gen devices delivered in the last quarter of 2010.
The Times adds that Foxconn will remain Apple's biggest production partner for the tablet, while the usual supply chain should stay intact, including companies like Pegatron. No more details on iPhone plans have been identified. The new device should launch in June however, as the only major iPhone overhaul to skip June so far has been the iPhone 3G, which shipped in July 2008.
The second-gen iPad is generally anticipated to go on sale in March or April, mirroring the launch of the first-gen tablet on April 3rd of last year. Some features may include a dual-core processor, a USB and/or SD port and dual cameras. Some reports have hinted at a 2048x1536 display, but recent accounts have indicated that the technology may have to wait until the third generation.
