Josh OngAfter checks with Taiwan-based component makers, industry publication DigiTimes reported Tuesday that Foxconn is set to ship the iPad 2 by the end of February 2011, with initial shipments of 400,000-600,000 units. Tuesday's report echoes an earlier report from the publication that claimed suppliers would ramp up shipments of iPad 2 components in the first quarter of 2011.
Apple had reportedly planned to begin mass production of the device in January, but ongoing testing of the new iPad's firmware has apparently forced Apple to postpone its schedule. But the iPad is still expected to launch in April, a year after the first-generation device debuted.
According to the report, Foxconn's new production plants in Chengdu are still in "pilot production," so the iPad 2 will be mainly supplied by the company's Shenzhen plants.
In preparation for a spring launch of the second generation of Apple's successful tablet device, production of the original iPad is expected to drop off in early February. According to DigiTimes' sources, Apple will still place orders for an estimated 1.6-1.8 million iPads through the end of January before reducing orders.
In September, sources told AppleInsider that Apple would introduce FaceTime-equipped next-gen iPads by the end of the first quarter of 2011, ahead of the usual 12-month product cycle. In November, rumors emerged that the next iPad will be a "world mode" device with both GSM and CDMA radios, allowing it to work on a variety of networks.
In the U.S., Verizon has already begun selling the iPad, though it currently only offers the Wi-Fi-only model bundled with a MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot. The iPad 3G model is not compatible with Verizon's CDMA network.
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Wesley Hilliard
AppleInsider Staff
Andrew Orr
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88 Comments
Cool! I sort of hope it's sooner, but a little over 3 months sounds about right.
In a word, SWEET!
I bought the low end 16GB WiFi model when the iPad first came out since I wasn't sure if I'd find it worth the money. It was! So much so I plan on buying the highest end version of the iPad 2 when it's released. Would that be 64GB with 3G? Or maybe 128GB with 4G? Some other combination? I guess time will tell...
I passed on the 1st gen. Hope there is something compelling with the 2nd.
Hope it has a Retina display. That would be enough incentive to upgrade. I often simultaneously use two iPads now... I wonder if three will fit in my workflow. Am I the only one who wishes someone would come out with a dual iPad case? One on each side when it opens like a book.
I wonder if they keep the old model around like the 3GS after the iPad 2 is released?
Yes, I always pass on 1st Gen apple products as we all know Apple will bust a move with a better upgrade for the iPad 2. I hope its a Retina Display and front facing camera for facetime.