iPad 2 Launch Nears, Apple Provides the First Clue

Retailers and resellers are signaling low or completely depleted iPad stock in what is a clear indication that Apple is preparing to release its next-generation of tablet computers.

UK official reseller Carphone Wearhouse is now sold out of the 64 GB WiFi-only iPad, 9to5mac reports, with all 3G models being sold out.

Official iPad 3G carriers in Europe Orange and T-Mobile have both cut the prices to half on their 3G SKUs for customers who sign 2 year contracts. In other words, an iPad 3G is now available in Europe for 100 pounds.

Last, but not least, major European product distributor Ingram Micro is reportedly sold out of the 16 GB WiFi-only iPad, as well as the 64 GB WiFi-only model, and the 64 GB WiFi + 3G version of the iPad.

The seller is also very low on 32 GB iPad stock, as well as on 32 GB WiFi+3G, and 16 GB WiFi+3G iPads, the aforementioned source reports.

This sudden iPad stock crisis (if you will) may be perceived as a surprise, though it shouldn’t be.

Although recent Apple rumors have centered around the MacBook family refresh, the iPad 2 was actually the hot topic before reports of the Sandy Bridge failures emerged, spurring speculation that future Mac hardware upgrades would be delayed.

In recent weeks, major news sources have kept a close watch on MacBook Pro stock, both at resellers, and at Apple’s own stores.

Coincidentally, MacBook Pro stock is also depleting in what is a clear indication that Apple is preparing to release beefed up laptops very soon.

Reports indicate that resellers and retailers are now on track to receive sealed packages from Apple which most likely contain the new MacBook Pros.

It would seem far fetched to speculate that said packages actually contain the next-generation of iPads, as Apple will most likely introduce those during one of its iconic keynotes.

But would it be far fetched to see Apple invite select members of the media at an event where both new MacBooks and new iPads are to be unveiled?

Given the circumstances, it wouldn’t.