For five months, Apple was unable to keep up with the demand for its popular iPad tablet computer. The company knew the device would be successful, but the desire to own the tablet was stronger than imagined. For the first time since the tablet was released, the online Apple store reflects 24 hour shipping for the device.
Orders placed immediately after the April 3 launch date had a 15-business day shipping delay. This decreased to between seven and ten days during mid-May. In early August, shipping time decreased again to five to seven days and then to one to three days.
During July, an executive with Apple spoke publicly about the issue of insufficient supply. Apple Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook stated, “We went into the iPad thinking that planning of one million from our capacity was a very bold move.” He went on to say that the company was increasing its capacity as quickly as it could and planned to be able to meet demand. It only took one month for Apple to accomplish this feat, despite all of the adjustments that were required to make it happen.
During the second quarter of this year, the company reportedly sold 3.3 million of the tablet computers. One million of the devices were sold within the first 28 days after the product hit store shelves. Apple was forced to delay its international launch date until late May due to the unanticipated level of U.S. demand.
One analyst predicts that iPad sales will reach 12 million this year. Brian Marshall, Gleacher & Co. analyst was so bold as to forecast a 51 percent increase in sales over the second quarter 2010 figure. This puts fourth quarter sales at an impressive 4.9 million tablets. Seems Mr. Marshall thinks the iPad would make a great holiday gift.
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