iPad 2 Rumors: Apple Reducing Production Targets, New Mockups, Late March Avail?

[MacRumors]

While Apple is set to hold a March 2nd media event. apparently to introduce the second-generation iPad, we don't yet know when the device will actually go on sale. But regardless of the on-sale date, Apple may be reducing its initial production target in the face of low touch panel yields and last-minute design changes that have cut into the company's ability to pump out the new version at the levels originally anticipated.

The sources pointed out that Apple still maintains its plans to mass produce the iPad 2 by the end of February; however, affected by low touch panel yields and an adjustment in specifications, Apple's production volume forecast for the first quarter is expected to drop from 400,000-600,000 units originally to only 300,000-400,000 units.

The report suggests, however, that there are no indications of any delays in Apple's internal plans for a launch date.

An analyst report earlier this week similarly pointed to "production bottlenecks" and "design changes" as affecting iPad production, but claimed that the issues would result in Apple delaying the device's launch until June. The "delay" claim was quickly refuted by multiple sources, and claims of the March 2nd media event followed soon after with the official announcement coming today.

Current iPad (left) vs. second-generation iPad mockup (right)
New mockups of the second-generation iPad have surfaced on the blog of Japanese parts vendor iLab.cc (via 9 to 5 Mac), showing what could be considered the most realistic-looking physical mockup of the second-generation iPad yet published. The mockup seems to be based on information from parts and case vendors near Apple's manufacturing partners' facilities in Shenzhen, China.

Rear of second-generation iPad mockup showing speaker grille
The mockup appears to demonstrate a much thinner design than the current iPad, and shows a realistic-looking mesh cover over what has been claimed to be a revamped speaker design.

As for when we can expect to see the second-generation iPad on sale, 9 to 5 Mac reported yesterday that its sources have claimed that the device will launch "towards the end of March". In addition, we have received word of a vacation blackout for Apple's retail store employees set for the end of March, but we have yet to obtain confirmation of that claim.

Article Link: iPad 2 Rumors: Apple Reducing Production Targets, New Mockups, Late March Debut?

 

[Goldinboy17]

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That grill is ugly.

 

[jonnysods]

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That grill is ugly.

Wow, that is exactly what I was going to say. Seems very un-Apple like.

 

[jamesryanbell]

No way the grill will look like that. No way.

 

[nvcplus]

Where's the ThunderBolt port?

 

[munkery]

Looks cheaper. Like the case is stamped instead of machined. Hopefully they switched to a cheaper manufacturing process that will be reflected in increase spec per dollar or a lower price.

 

[ImNoSuperMan]

That grill is ugly.

I thought the same for iPhone 4 buttons and rest of the body when it showed up on gizmodo. Steve somehow made it look the prettiest thing ever when it was officially announced though

 

[kirky29]

I don't like the grill!
But I remember I said I didn't like lines on the iPhone 4.
Didn't take me long to change my mind!

 

[notabadname]

It is just a mock-up. I would think Apple's grill would be more like the precision drilled speakers on a MBP. Where are they going to put all the innards, with it so thin? If a faster processor, you would think it would need a little bigger battery, the same way they enlarged the iPhone 4 battery. I thought the current gen was tightly packed.

 

[Full of Win]

In a word: Uninspired

 

[lilcosco08]

NOOO not late march D:

3ds, you may have to wait

 

[adztaylor]

The whole iPad 2 mockup looks horrible.

In a word: Uninspired

Same can be said for every comment you make on here.

 

[gnasher729]

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That grill is ugly.

Wow, that is exactly what I was going to say. Seems very un-Apple like.

My first thought as well.

No way the grill will look like that. No way.

Apple uses a laser to create tiny holes for the speaker that are absolutely invisible to the naked eye and that cannot be felt. There is no need whatsoever to create ugly visible holes. Whoever created this mockup has no idea what Apple is doing.

 

[skunk]

It is a mock-up, isn't it? So the dimensions and port positions will be correct, but the details and finish are not.

 

[arkitect]

Looks cheaper. Like the case is stamped instead of machined. Hopefully they switched to a cheaper manufacturing process that will be reflected in increase spec per dollar or a lower price.

Wow. I'm impressed. You can tell from that pic?

Trust me when I say I have seen quite few machined and stamped shells in my life… and I can't tell what that is.

As I said. Wow. Impressive.

It is a mock-up, isn't it? So the dimensions and port positions will be correct, but the details and finish are not.

Precisely.
I am amazed by the confident pronouncements posters make based on a few grainy pics.

 

[notabadname]

Not sure what people were expecting. The iPad is a sheet of glass with a back to hold all the goodies in. Should it get "bedazzled" or something?

 

[saving107]

its insanely thin, but that mock-up looks horrid.

I'll take 2 please

 

[Full of Win]

Where's the ThunderBolt port?

It's hiding under the black apple.

 

[Catholic13]

I want a macbook with a decent/good GPU not an ipad... worthlessness

 

[ufkdo]

really ugly :/

 

[arkitect]

its insanely thin, but that mock-up looks horrid.

I'll take 2 please

One will do me fine for now, ta!

I want a macbook with a decent/good GPU not an ipad... worthlessness

Well then, wait for the official announcement, and if that is not enough to satisfy your hunger for speed and even more speed, then wait some more.
Or have a look at Sony and Dell et al. They make decent machines.

 

[antster94]

To everyone moaning about how ugly it is, this has been made in a workshop by someone, not by Apple. In all honesty it'll probably look nothing like that.

 

[Optimus Frag]

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I agree also about the grill. Un-Apple like. I'm beginning to edge towards a minimal spec increase (faster CPU, camera, more memory) but a fairly hefty decrease in price. Android is improving, other tablets are getting higher spec but iPad has the higher profile. Married to a very aggressive price point that will give Apple a huge amount of clout in the fight for customers money.

 

[raymondthimmes]

come on Jony! you can do better.

 

[kasei]

Wow. The bezel is really thin. I doesn't look very sturdy and may succumb to gravity. A lot of broken screens will be the result if it is this thin.