In April, we discussed the iPad sales predictions from market research firm, iSuppli. At the time, iSuppli predicted that Apple would sell 7.1 million iPads in 2010, 14.4 million in 2011, and 20.1 million in 2012. According to a recent article, iSuppli has changed its predictions to incorporate the high demand for the iPad. iSuppli now predicts that Apple will sell 12.9 million iPads this year, 36.5 million in 2011, and 50.4 million in 2012.
Rhoda Alexander, director of monitor research for iSuppli commented, “The iPad is shaping up to be the ‘Tickle Me Elmo’ of the 2010 holiday season, with product demand expected to vastly exceed available supply. Apple has hiked its iPad manufacturing goals to suppliers across Asia. As iSuppli stated in its initial forecast, the key to continuing success will be how quickly Apple responds to issues as they arise and whether the company can align suppliers to meet demand needs.”
According to a recent article from InformationWeek, Apple is experiencing some difficulty in meeting demand because LG can not produce the LCD displays fast enough. As a result, Apple may have to delay the launch dates for the iPad in some countries.
