Apple To Ship 12-14 Million iPad 2s In Q3

Despite all the fervor for the Apple iPad 2, the tablet actually shipped with disappointing numbers during its first two quarters of this year. Shipping estimates for the tablet were around 6.2 million units in Q1, but only 4.69 million were shipped. And in Q2 only 7 to 9 million units were shipped. This, however, wasn't due to any lack of demand, but rather, a shortage of supply. With supply kinks worked out, new reports now suggest a much higher number expected for Q3.

Apple COO Tim Cook had attributed the previous low shipment numbers to a major bottleneck the company experienced when they discovered issues with certain components. It was believed to be light leakage issues of display panels from LG, although this was not confirmed. Cook said that they had the "mother of backlogs" and sold all the iPad 2s that they could make.

It looks like the problems are worked out now and reports from Asian components suppliers indicate that Apple is greatly increasing its Q3 iPad 2 parts orders. iPad 2 shipments for the third quarter is set to be around 12 to 14 million.

In order to significantly increase its shipments in the third quarter, Apple has been piling up its inventory of iPad 2 components such as panels in the second quarter to minimize the risk of facing component shortages.

[via DigiTimes]