14 DAY TRIAL // The technology giant headquartered at 1 Infinite Loop, Cupertino, California appears to be getting a handle of iPad 2 supplies with shipping times now estimated in the 2-3 weeks range, according to the listings at store.apple.com.
Apple seems poised to fulfill iPad 2 orders as soon as possible, not only for U.S. customers, but for European and Australian customers as well.
Previously estimated to ship in 4 to 5 weeks, then 3-4 weeks, iPad 2 supplies are now moving fast enough so that customers can secure one in the next 2-3 weeks, Apple says.
Those who are vocal on these kinds of matters, such as Canaccord Genuity analyst Michael Walkley, indicate this has something to do with Apple’s dominance in the electronics market.
According to reports, Canaccord’s man believes Apple’s supply chain remains robust, despite worries about component shortages caused by the earthquake in Japan last month.
“While we believe supply could be tight for the industry due to Japan, we believe Apple is leveraging its dominant market position and will fare much better than competitors,” Canaccord analyst Michael Walkley wrote in a note on Monday.
“We believe suppliers will likely provide Apple with preferential supply, as Apple is often the largest customer for many suppliers,” he said.
Following the March 11 launch in the U.S., iPad 2 was released Internationally on March 25 in countries like Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK.
Apple said that its second-generation iPad would be available in Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore and additional countries in April.
Additional countries around the world are to receive shipments in the coming months. Apple takes it upon itself to announce further international availability and pricing at a later date.