Last week we heard that Apple was getting ready to release an iPad this calendar year, and today we hear that Apple’s sourcing parts for the iPad 2. While we would be slightly annoyed if a new iPad shipped before December, we fully expect that the iPad 2 is going to be shipping in the New Year. Why? Well, for the last couple of years now, new products have been announced in January, so an announcement regarding the iPad 2 is pretty much expected at that time. The only major difference between this version of the iPad and the rumoured new one is that it’s starting to sound like the iPad 2 could be ready for order the day it’s announced. We have no source on this, and it’s certainly speculation, but we’re hoping that it could be available on announcement day.
Don’t think for one second that Apple hasn’t learned from the availability problems they’ve faced with the launch of the iPad and the iPhone 4. Keeping in mind that Tim Cook himself said that Apple wasn’t creating artificial shortages of their devices for more news coverage, it would seem that Apple would prepare for the demand a little better this time around. They were being modest in their expectations for the original iPad, and now that they can see that there’s a clear market for the device, a lot more will be ready to ship, a lot sooner than last time. For all we know, the iPad 2 could already be in production, and stockpiles could be forming as Apple begins to prepare for an update to the successful iPad. It would make sense, wouldn’t it? Early adopters wouldn’t have to wait months, casual adopters would still be able to pick them up off the shelves a week later, and everyone would walk away happy. Again, speculation, so don’t run off thinking that you’ll have a shiny new iPad 2 in your hands in January. We could very well be waiting until March or April again.
According to 9 to 5 Mac today, component suppliers are readying and validating their components so that they can be tested by Apple before they get included in upcoming devices. If the testing is indeed under way right now, there’s no way that an iPad 2 would ship before January, which coincides with the Digitimes report that the next-gen iPad will be announced in January 2011. The first iPad was announced on January 27, 2010.
In the Apple world, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. There’s been a release schedule for the last couple of years, and if analysts haven’t figured that out yet, they’re probably just trying to increase their exposure with rumours from people “close to the source.” If you’re looking for new Apple products you should be looking towards January or September, as historically, this is when we see new and refreshed products launched.
Article Via 9 to 5 Mac
