4.19 million units sold in the last quarter and 7.46 million iPads already sold since the release date in April. These are the numbers Apple’s tablet is making, but analysts expect it to sell an awful more next year. And it wouldn’t be a surprise, considering that a new model will come out sometime during Spring with a front facing camera, a better screen and god knows what else Steve is thinking.
According to the latest iSuppli forecasts, Apple will ship 43.7 million iPads in 2011. The forecast has been increased from the previous one of 36.5 million units.
In its previous iPad forecasts, iSuppli noted that the only constraint on shipment growth now is production and not demand,” said Rhoda Alexander, director of monitor research for iSuppli. “The only factor limiting production is the availability of key iPad components, such as the field fringe switching (FFS) LCD panels, projected capacitive touch screens and NAND flash. Despite ongoing yield issues, Apple’s suppliers have steadily increased monthly production to meet Apple’s demand. Production rates are now on target to meet the expected strong fourth-quarter sales.
I’m just curious to see what’s going to happen this holiday season with the device on sale at Walmart, Target and Verizon stores.
