Delays cause Apple to switch iPad touch-panel orders to Wintek

Posted:
in Current Mac Hardware edited January 2014
Due to delayed shipments for iPad touch-panels from Taiwan-based TPK Touch Solutions, Apple has reportedly shifted its orders to longtime partner Wintek. Also, some who preordered the iPad have begun seeing charges from Apple to their credit card, and Best Buy is prepping for the device's April 3 launch.



iPad touch-panel orders shift to Wintek



According to DigiTimes, TPK could not meet the level of supply expected by Apple, which led the iPad maker to shift orders to Wintek. Last week, the Taiwan industry publication claimed issues at Wintek caused the initial delay of the iPad.



Wintek previously focused on small- to medium-size LCD panels, but has shifted its business towards touch-panels. The company has plans to expand its capacity, though it is expected to be able to handle the iPad orders already placed by Apple.



When Apple first introduced the iPad, it said it would ship by late March. The product saw a slight delay, pushing its sale date back to April 3.



When the company began accepting preorders, it limited the number of purchases to two per person. Apple also turned down volume orders for businesses. These actions fueled speculation of a tight iPad supply for the product's launch.



Weeks ago, a handful of reports of manufacturing constraints suggested initial supply of the iPad could be limited. Analyst Peter misek with Canaccord Adams said checks with overseas suppliers suggested an "unspecified production problem" had led to a "manufacturing bottleneck," potentially limiting the number of devices available at launch to 300,000.





Another report, from analyst Vijay Rakesh of Think Equity, said that initial shipment could be even lower, around 200,000, due to "minor delays" in production. His checks with suppliers said any delays were only expected to be temporary, and were not related to the device's glass screen, or any issues in the manufacturing process.



A third report alleged that suppliers have had no issues in the manufacturing of the iPad, and expect Apple to ship between 600,000 and 700,000 devices at launch. That report claimed Apple would have the capacity to ship another 1 million iPads by the end of April.



Apple has also experienced short supply of some iPad accessories, with new preorders o the keyboard dock and power adapter being delayed until May. Those who prepurchased on the first available day will still see their ship in April.



A recent report alleged that the most expensive component in the iPad is its $80 display and touchscreen interface. The iPad has a 9.7-inch screen that is more than twice the size of the iPhone 3GS. Apple has reportedly signed a $240 million deal with Samsung to purchase 3 million additional iPad displays.



Apple begins iPad credit card preauthorization



A little over a week before the iPad is set to be released, Apple has begun placing temporary holds on the credit cards of users who preordered the device. The preauthorization is done to ensure that the customer has enough credit on their card to afford the purchase, and signals that the formal charge will arrive soon.



Users who purchased the 3G version of the iPad have also noted that their credit card has been accessed by Apple. Though the Wi-Fi-only model ships April 3, the 3G capable model is set to ship later in the month.



Best Buy preps for iPad launch



U.S. electronics retailer Best Buy is reportedly gearing up for the April 3 iPad launch. Initially the iPad will only be available at Best Buy locations that have dedicated Apple sections, also known as the "store within a store." It is expected the iPad will expand to all Best Buy locations eventually. The launch stores do not have plans to open early.



The report noted that Best Buy stores are set to receive four separate SKUs, even though the iPad launch will only see the 16GB, 32GB and 64GB Wi-Fi-only models available. It was speculated that stores could receive a 3G-capable model for demo purposes only.



In February, Apple Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook revealed that Apple would sell the iPad at Best Buy and other assisted locations. The company plans to expand its retail availability over time.



Earlier this week, a personal e-mail from Apple co-founder Steve Jobs to an inquiring customer revealed that the iPad will only be available at Apple retail and online stores and Best Buy initially. That means AT&T, the sole 3G provider for the iPad in the U.S., will not carry the product in its stores at launch, though it is likely the wireless provider will eventually sell after the 3G model ships.
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Comments

  • Reply 1 of 47
    Are the problems with TPK the source of most/all of the previous production delay rumors?
  • Reply 2 of 47
    finetunesfinetunes Posts: 2,065member
    Apple just inked a deal with Samsung (AI, yesterday) to provide screens--wonder if there might be differences between the different manufacturers?
  • Reply 3 of 47
    Yup, I'm pretty sure my card got pre-authorized, I had to shift some additional $$$ to my card before the Apple Store let my order through.
  • Reply 4 of 47
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by HappyPappy View Post


    Yup, I'm pretty sure my card got pre-authorized, I had to shift some additional $$$ to my card before the Apple Store let my order through.



    I wonder if they plan to ship them so you get the device exactly on April 2nd.
  • Reply 5 of 47
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by extremeskater View Post


    I wonder if they plan to ship them so you get the device exactly on April 2nd.



    Just curious (seriously): Did you order one, finally?
  • Reply 6 of 47
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by extremeskater View Post


    I wonder if they plan to ship them so you get the device exactly on April 2nd.



    The Apple Store actually states that it will deliver on the 3rd....it's a Saturday....go figure.
  • Reply 7 of 47
    thrangthrang Posts: 1,007member
    Yep, I've got two pending transactions for the full amount for my two separate iPad orders...
  • Reply 8 of 47
    techstudtechstud Posts: 124member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by HappyPappy View Post


    The Apple Store actually states that it will deliver on the 3rd....it's a Saturday....go figure.



    Apple needs the lines long for the perception of iPad's success and since most people don't work or have school on Saturday this only makes sense.
  • Reply 9 of 47
    scarpadscarpad Posts: 14member
    Yeah I'd hate a bait and switch where apple shows off the ipad only to switch screen manufacturers at the last minute and get screens on sales unit that are grossly inferior. We've seen issues in the past with Yellow tinged 3g phone screens, negative images on the 1g Itouch that was not there on review units.
  • Reply 10 of 47
    ilogicilogic Posts: 298member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by TECHSTUD View Post


    Apple needs the lines long for the perception of iPad's success and since most people don't work or have school on Saturday this only makes sense.



    Apple stores get plenty of action all the time, it doesn't need to do anything for perception. The product will garner the attention and sell itself.



    (your signature is a tad distasteful, and I'm not even Chinese)
  • Reply 11 of 47
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Scarpad View Post


    We've seen issues in the past with Yellow tinged 3g phone screens, negative images on the 1g Itouch that was not there on review units.



    Yeah, it must such a flood of 'Yellow tinged' screens. That's why these products are doing so poorly in the market.

  • Reply 12 of 47
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by TECHSTUD View Post


    Apple needs the lines long for the perception of iPad's success and since most people don't work or have school on Saturday this only makes sense.



    Quote:
    Originally Posted by ilogic View Post


    Apple stores get plenty of action all the time, it doesn't need to do anything for perception. The product will garner the attention and sell itself.



    (your signature is a tad distasteful, and I'm not even Chinese)



    His signature?



    No, he is. Please stop feeding....
  • Reply 13 of 47
    finetunesfinetunes Posts: 2,065member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by ilogic View Post


    Apple stores get plenty of action all the time, it doesn't need to do anything for perception. The product will garner the attention and sell itself.



    (your signature is a tad distasteful, and I'm not even Chinese)



    TS is on my ignore list. Best to either add him/her to your ignore list or ignore TS altogether.
  • Reply 14 of 47
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by TECHSTUD View Post


    Apple needs the lines long for the perception of iPad's success and since most people don't work or have school on Saturday this only makes sense.



    Perception? I would think the shortage of availability is a testament to how many they have sold. Although NONE of us know, and we should quit speculating.



    Oh, and regarding your sig, my answer is:



    "Better off!?"
  • Reply 15 of 47
    finetunesfinetunes Posts: 2,065member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by anantksundaram View Post


    His signature?



    No, he is. Please stop feeding....



    Since TS is on my ignore list I didn't see the signature, if it's offensive a MODERATOR should advise TS to remove it and remove TS from this site.
  • Reply 16 of 47
    The "yellow" screens were on purpose remember? Apple changed the warmth of the screen.
  • Reply 17 of 47
    eideardeideard Posts: 428member
    Cripes. I'm still waiting for whenever Amazon or PowerMax gets in stock so I can afford one of these critters = no sales tax.



    That means I get to watch y'all gloat for a week or two before I get mine.
  • Reply 18 of 47
    s4mb4s4mb4 Posts: 267member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by HappyPappy View Post


    The Apple Store actually states that it will deliver on the 3rd....it's a Saturday....go figure.



    i expect FedEx to drop off a box on Saturday morning.....
  • Reply 19 of 47
    finetunesfinetunes Posts: 2,065member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Scarpad View Post


    Yeah I'd hate a bait and switch where apple shows off the ipad only to switch screen manufacturers at the last minute and get screens on sales unit that are grossly inferior. We've seen issues in the past with Yellow tinged 3g phone screens, negative images on the 1g Itouch that was not there on review units.



    This is not your bait and switch. Apparently there are production problems and in order to prevent further delays, Apple is turning to a former supplier to pick up production. As stated earlier, Apple inked a deal with Samsung to produce screens of the iPad. My only concerns are whether there will be differences between the different manufacturers in terms of the quality of screens--only time will tell.
  • Reply 20 of 47
    techstudtechstud Posts: 124member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by ilogic View Post


    Apple stores get plenty of action all the time, it doesn't need to do anything for perception. The product will garner the attention and sell itself.



    (your signature is a tad distasteful, and I'm not even Chinese)



    Distasteful? Being Chinese? What's that mean?
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