iPad estimate hits 6.5m in Q1 but just 400K iPad 2

A rumor from parts suppliers put Apple's iPad production high but suggested that a relatively small number of those would be the iPad 2 being unveiled today. Shipments would reportedly float between six million and 6.5 million for the quarter ending in March, but only 300,000 to 400,000 of the new model. With no more than two million original iPads being ordered in January and 1.5 million in the channel, however, Digitimes' rumor left at least 2.5 million of the new iPad shipping in March, suggesting supply would ramp up quickly.

As many as 40 million iPads are targeted for 2011, or just under three times the amount shipped in 2010.

A production glitch could significantly hurt the initial wave, according to the tips. Whether or not that would occur isn't certain, as analysts disagree with each other even after claiming similar sources. Apple typically only sets a special event once it has an expectation of shipments and is more likely to have healthy supply.

Any international launch plans might be affected by the initial stock. If Apple launches only on the rumored first batch, it would almost certainly limit initial supplies to the US, where it sold over 300,000 iPads in one day last year. If it has had the chance to ramp up supply or decides to wait one to two weeks, it could ship with many more of the new model and could expand the launch to at least a handful of other countries.

By Electronista Staff