Sam OliverThe numbers from DigiTimes on Wednesday show that Apple expects to significantly ramp up production of the iPad as 2011 wears on. For the initial launch of the iPad 2, Apple is expected to have between 300,000 and 400,000 units available.
Apple reportedly ordered between 1.7 million and 2 million iPads in January and February. Order volumes for March, including the to-be-announced iPad 2, are expected to top 2 million.
Citing industry sources, the report said there were between 1 million and 1.5 million units of iPad inventory in the channel in January. It added that Apple is "already set to phase out the first-generation iPad and let iPad 2 take its place."
In a separate report, DigiTimes also reported that gallium arsenide (GaAs) power amplifer suppliers, including TriQuint Semiconductor and Skyworks Solutions, are expected to benefit from the iPad 2 launch. Visual Photonics Epitaxy Company and Advanced Wireless Semiconductor Company of Taiwan are also said to be GaAs foundry suppliers for the iPad 2.
In February, it was said that more than 60 percent of Apple's initial iPad 2 production would be 3G-capable models. The company is expected to produce three versions of the new iPad: a Wi-Fi-only model, a GSM/UMTS version, and a CDMA/EVDO model.
Apple's official unveiling of its second-generation iPad will take place Wednesday at 10 a.m. Pacific, 1 p.m. Eastern. AppleInsider will have full, extensive coverage.
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39 Comments
I don't know how they can make this prediction before seeing it. They must be assuming it won't be very different to the current one.
I don't know how they can make this prediction before seeing it. They must be assuming it won't be very different to the current one.
I'm assuming that. Why wouldn't you? It pays to be pessimistic with Apple, that way you're surprised by anything they do that's actually radical change.
Apple is expected to have between 300,000 and 400,000 units available.
This seems absurdly low. I think there were a lot of people that held out for iPad 2 for whatever reason. I really don't think it matters much what Apple shows today. People already want it.
I think there were a lot of people that held out for iPad 2 for whatever reason. I really don't think it matters much what Apple shows today. People already want it.
Thats spot on (from my point of view). For various reasons (mainly financial) I held off, then when i was in a position to get one, decided to wait until G2. Hoping for a slightly increased CPU/GPU and memory. I dont expect any real change in screen performance. I *think* (nothing to back up this up) that they may be going with an increase in battery size to keep the battery life up, rather than any real unit size decreases.
All I know for certain is that I want one ASAP. Low Expectations mean i won't be dissapointed
I'm assuming that. Why wouldn't you? It pays to be pessimistic with Apple, that way you're surprised by anything they do that's actually radical change.
There have been so few rumors this time around I don't know what to expect.