Katie Marsal
All versions of the iPad 2, in capacities from 16GB to 64GB and all wireless connectivity options, are now estimated to ship within two to three weeks. Purchases are still limited to two per order.
That's an improvement from the previous estimate of three to four weeks that Apple began advertising on March 24. Prior to that, new orders were estimated to ship in four to five weeks, leaving some buyers to potentially wait more than a month for their order to ship.
Overseas, new orders direct from Apple are also estimated to ship within two to three weeks. That's the same estimated wait that has been shown since the iPad 2 went on sale in 25 countries on March 25.
Apple has experienced crushing demand for the iPad 2 since it first went on sale in the U.S. in March. But Monday's updated shipping times are another sign that Apple is beginning to balance supply with demand for its second-generation tablet.
Lines for the iPad 2 have continued to form and Apple's overseas suppliers have worked to ramp up capacity to meet demand. Apple even expanded the retail availability of the iPad 2 late last month, offering it for sale at 500 RadioShack locations in the U.S.
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64 Comments
Mine still won't ship until Apr 21 and I ordered on Mar 24.
Mine still won't ship until Apr 21 and I ordered on Mar 24.
At which point orders were 3-4 or perhaps even 4-5 weeks. The new orders and yours are likely coming from the same batch. A batch that isn't yet totally consumed by existing orders and will be ready in about two weeks.
According to my inside sources, the Apple staff are thrilled by yet another change. Not only does it reduce pissy responses by folks chasing stock but the company would let them order iPads until things are stabilized. Down to like shipping in 3-5 days for at least a solid week or so. And they can't buy at their stores unless demand is totally filled for the day (which never happens with stock left over). Nor can they hold iPads for themselves, their friends or family. No special ?positive' treatment for working there
What should we really believe? Your several reports that the Japanese earthquake affected supply of parts, hence Apple will soon run out of iPad 2, or that the availability of iPad 2 is improving?
At which point orders were 3-4 or perhaps even 4-5 weeks. The new orders and yours are likely coming from the same batch. A batch that isn't yet totally consumed by existing orders and will be ready in about two weeks.
Right. When I ordered, it was 4-5 weeks and my shipment wasn't until April 28 with delivery into May but when the shipping time dwindled to 3-4 weeks, mine received a bump it shipping time.
They've moved up the expected shipping date on mine from 28 to 27 days.