iPad 2 Production Shortages Due to LCD and Speaker Issues?

095410 ipad 2 oblique

Dow Jones Newswires reports on comments from research firm IHS iSuppli noting that Apple's surprisingly low iPad shipments for the first quarter of 2011 were in fact due to production issues, primarily related to display and speaker production problems.

Apple's first-quarter supply of the iPad 2 fell far short of demand, according to the researcher, saying production faced manufacturing difficulties, which combined with strong demand, led to short supplies of the device. The issues, according to sources, include quality concerns with liquid crystal display panels and production shortages of the new speaker.

The report plays down any potential impact from the Japanese earthquake and tsunami, noting that Apple executives were quickly on-site in Japan to secure the necessary components. Shortages do still exist, however, and Apple may be continuing to experience some tightness in its production lines even as it has agreed to increase the prices it pays to suppliers in order to ensure a steady flow of parts.

Based on the light first quarter iPad sales and lingering production capacity issues, IHS iSuppli has lowered its 2011 iPad shipment forecast by nearly 10%, from 43.7 million units to 39.7 million units. The firm had boosted its projection to that 43.7 million figure back in October 2010 as it responded to booming demand for the first-generation models.

Related Roundup: iPad
Buyer's Guide: iPad (Neutral)
Related Forum: iPad

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro 3 4ths Perspective Aluminum Camera Module 1

New iPhone 17 Pro Details: Brighter Display, Best Battery Life, and More

Wednesday September 3, 2025 5:33 am PDT by
Apple's iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models will feature a number of significant display, thermal, and battery improvements, according to new late-stage rumors. According to the Weibo leaker known as "Instant Digital," the iPhone 17 Pro models will feature displays with higher brightness, making it more suitable for use in direct sunlight for prolonged periods. The iPhone 16 Pro and...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro Prices Estimated Ahead of Apple Event Next Week

Tuesday September 2, 2025 1:50 pm PDT by
Just one week before Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series, an analyst has shared new price estimates for the devices. Here are J.P. Morgan analyst Samik Chatterjee's price estimates for the iPhone 17 series in the United States, according to 9to5Mac: Model Starting Price Model Starting Price Change iPhone 16 $799 iPhone 17 ...
Apple Watch Ultra 2 Complications

Apple Watch Ultra 3 Coming Next Week: Eight Reasons to Upgrade

Thursday September 4, 2025 7:38 am PDT by
We're only days away from Apple's "Awe dropping" fall event scheduled to take place on Tuesday, September 9 – and along with the new iPhone 17 series, we're going to get a new version of the Apple Watch Ultra for the first time since 2023. By the time the Ultra 3 is unveiled, it will have been two years since the previous model arrived. The intervening period has left plenty of room for...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case Leak Reveals Three Key Changes

Sunday August 31, 2025 1:26 pm PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, and last-minute rumors about the devices continue to surface. The latest info comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of Apple's Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, or at least replicas. Image Credit: @MajinBuOfficial The images show three alleged changes compared to Apple's iP...
iPhone 17 Pro Dark Blue and Orange

iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall. At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
iPhone 17 AIR Loud Feature

iPhone 17 Air Could Start at $1,099 With 256GB Storage, 1TB for $1,499

Thursday September 4, 2025 2:54 am PDT by
Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 Air will have a $1,099 starting price providing 256GB of base storage and will max out at $1,499 with a 1TB option, according to the latest TrendForce report. Apple will offer three price/storage tiers for the all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17 model, which replaces last year's iPhone 16 Plus in the lineup. Here's how TrendForce sees them breaking down: 256GB — $1099...

Top Rated Comments

ThunderSkunk Avatar
188 months ago
Car tires move in circles, as do jet engines, but they bring us hundreds of miles ;) Adam Smith and John Nash were smart guys on capitalism, and I like it :)

Yeah, it's easy to love when you're on the forward edge of it.
Just hope to hell you never experience the other side...
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Piggie Avatar
188 months ago
I noticed a speaker issue on my ipad 2 - it's installed facing back of unit.

:mad:

I'm sorry, but you need to understand it's your ears that are situated incorrectly.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Al Coholic Avatar
188 months ago
Still the same 7 iPad 2's (Black) at my local Wal-Mart that were there last Wednesday. :D

But I suppose living in the arsehole of the world has something to do with it. The hicks here in possum holler aren't big on high-tech gizmos. (unless you count 8-track tape decks :eek:)
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
kenliles Avatar
188 months ago
The demand was short because so many people wanted it. That's the only reason. If nobody wanted it the demand would not have been short no matter how many production faults there were, I can guarantee. :rolleyes:

+1
don't see any 'part shortages' being reported for Playbooks or Xooms

ken
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Piggie Avatar
188 months ago
T
None of the 1000 I've used so far have had anything like that, no bleeds or 'nothin! They seem just like the 1's screens in all colors and brightnesses. It sounds like I may be very lucky :P

You have used 1000 iPad2's and none of them have had any screen bleed issues.

OMG...... LOL
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
coder12 Avatar
188 months ago
The demand was short because so many people wanted it. That's the only reason. If nobody wanted it the demand would not have been short no matter how many production faults there were, I can guarantee. :rolleyes:

edit:
Well I have seen that most iPad2's do have a glow in the dark screen problem.
Radiation?
None of the 1000 I've used so far have had anything like that, no bleeds or 'nothin! They seem just like the 1's screens in all colors and brightnesses. It sounds like I may be very lucky :P


Or in circles anyway.
Car tires move in circles, as do jet engines, but they bring us hundreds of miles ;) Adam Smith and John Nash were smart guys on capitalism, and I like it :)
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)