'Manufacturing Bottleneck' Delaying iPad Launch, Analyst Claims

In a note to clients, Canaccord Adams analyst Peter Misek says that the availability of Apple's iPad may be limited at its launch later this month, citing a “manufacturing bottleneck” at partner Hon Hai Precision. The delay may result in initial distribution being limited to the U.S. or even delayed entirely, Misek, whose forecast track record is rather mixed, claims.

“We have…heard that the upcoming iPad launch may be somewhat limited as a manufacturing bottleneck has impacted production of Apple’s newest device,” Misek writes, according to Wired.

“An unspecified production problem at the iPad’s manufacturer, Hon Hai Precision,” the analyst explains, “will likely limit the launch region to the US and the number of units available to roughly 300K in the month of March, far lower than the company’s initial estimate of 1,000K units. The delay in production ramp will likely impact Apple’s April unit estimate of 800K as well.” “It is also possible that, given the limited number of units available in March, the launch will be delayed for a month,” he forecasts.

While anything’s possible, Wired feels compelled to note that the same analyst predicted that the iPhone OS 4.0 and a Verizon iPhone would be unveiled at the 2010 keynote focusing on the iPad launch. Neither of the two claims were confirmed.

Moreover, according to Wired, an Apple spokeswoman recently confirmed Apple's plans for a late March availability of the iPad. The spokeswoman, however, did not discuss any possible shortages or delays in other territories. The excerpt reads, Update, 11 a.m. PDT: An Apple spokeswoman told Wired.com on the phone that the “iPad will be available in late March.”

Rumors saying Apple was planning to kick off pre-orders for its tablet device are also unconfirmed, as of yet. While this may signal that Apple still isn’t sure when it can fulfill demand, it is also possible the company is following a precise schedule of which no one outside the company knows anything about.