Apple Planning for 6 million iPad 2s a Month
Posted by Zack | Posted in Consumer Electronics | Posted on 18-12-2010
Tags: Apple, Apple iPad, Apple iPad 2, Apple products, ipad, iPad 2, Steve Jobs
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When Apple introduced the iPad, nobody believed that it would take off like it did. However, the iPad is one of the hottest selling pieces of technology out right now and everybody wants to get their hands on it. When Apple announced it was going to be coming out with a second generation iPad, people were ecstatic. And it seems Apple and Steve Jobs listened to the reviews because they have a great big plan in anticipation for this next device.
Apple believes that its anticipated second-generation iPad will be immensely more popular than the first generation device. So much so that Apple is expected to order as many as 6 million a month. If this is true, then this number would shatter the 4 million units a month Apple ordered for their first generation iPad. Sources overseas indicated that Apple added Chimei Innoulux and Cando, two additional touch panel makers, for production of the iPad 2.
These new suppliers join the team of iPad makers already comprised of Wintek, Sintek Photronics and TPK Touch Solutions. By adding Chimei Innoulux and Cando, Apple can reportedly produce more iPads per month allowing them to reach their 6 million a month mark. Sources have indicated that suppliers will begin shipments to Apple in January and February of 2011. This is consistent with previous reports that the iPad 2 would begin shipping within 100 days in order to allow Apple to stockpile for their April launch.
It has also been indicated that Apple has no interest whatsoever in producing a 7-inch iPad. A 7-inch iPad would be much smaller and lighter than the current 9.7-inch model. This is worth mentioning because there were many rumors floating around out there about Apple making a 7-inch iPad. Steve Jobs snuffed out this rumor back in October during Apple’s fourth quarter conference call. Jobs believes competing products, like the 7-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab, have chosen a smaller size in order to reduce costs rather than usability.
According to Jobs, “When we make decisions on 7-inch tablets, it’s not about cost. It’s about value of the product when you factor in the software.”
