Earthquake and Tsunami problems in Japan could delay Apple iPhone 4 and iPad 2 shipments

posted by Alan F. / Mar 17, 2011, 12:09 PM

Earthquake and Tsunami problems in Japan could delay Apple iPhone 4 and iPad 2 shipments

The recent problems affecting Japan might plague Apple until as long as June. Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co and Toshiba, two of the Cupertino based firm's suppliers, have closed some operations thanks to the double punch of the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan last week. Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster believes that this could lead to shortages of the Apple iPhone 4 and iPad 2 through June.

Toshiba produces 40% of the world's flash memory while Mitsubishi Gas produces BT resin for Apple's circuit boards. But Munster points out that Apple uses multiple suppliers which lessens the reliance on one particular company and helps the company continue production even when a one-two punch of natural disasters takes place. The analyst said, " This strategy has proven to be an effective way for Apple to leverage its balance sheet and its position as one of the largest buyers of many of the components it uses; moreover, this strategy may prove particularly helpful if supply is limited and pricing increases. Finally, we believe Apple buys futures on important components, which will help offset near-term pricing swings. Our conclusion is that Apple is well positioned to suffer proportionally less than its competitors."

source: AppleInsider

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9 Comments

1. BHuta

Posts: 7; Member since: Sep 08, 2010

are you serious? You guys go and post something like this? Who cares about late Ipads when PEOPLE ARE STILL DYING. I hate it when people who report news dehumanize the tragedy aspect.

posted on Mar 17, 2011, 12:22 PM 6

2. Eingild unregistered

I can't believe that after everything that has happened, all you care about is how Apple will handle production pandemoniums. Please pay respect to the victims of the earthquake. Yes, ipad and iphone shipments may be delayed but who the hell cares? I think even fanboys wouldn't care in times like this. (Btw, I'm an Apple fanboy) Even Apple doesn't care. What concerns the people now is how they could help Japan by any means necessary. Please, stop these crap.

posted on Mar 17, 2011, 12:25 PM 5

4. 530gemini

Posts: 2198; Member since: Sep 09, 2010

Ummmmm, I think Japan has more things to worry about than the ipad2 and ip4 shipments. I think this article needs to be deleted.

posted on Mar 17, 2011, 12:34 PM 4

5. Amir unregistered

Who cares about the late ipad 2 and iphone 4s if this shit happened in america who would help us....no one !

posted on Mar 17, 2011, 12:50 PM 6

8. twashington4

Posts: 81; Member since: May 24, 2010

Phonearena, please remove this ridiculous article. Oh wait...it doesn't matter because you never listen when your readers tell you that you posted obnoxious crap!!

posted on Mar 17, 2011, 4:18 PM 1

9. taco50

Posts: 5506; Member since: Oct 08, 2009

it's phone arena if you want to read news about Japan go to a news site

posted on Mar 17, 2011, 4:26 PM 2

10. gambino37

Posts: 146; Member since: Oct 16, 2009

Are you idiots kidding me? This is a CELLPHONE/TECHIE news website. Phonearena is reporting the appropriate news! Not a single word in this article is insensitive or offensive in any way. This article is not saying that Japan needs to worry about this. It merely is stating one of the many effects of the recent events in Japan. Of course our hearts all go out to the victims in Japan, but if you want news about the more important issues of the aftermath go to CNN or MSNBC or turn on the TV. If you want to hear about cell phones, tablets, and the like, then come here. No one is saying that late shipments of Apple electronics is a bigger deal than a tsunami. They are just saying that it is a relevant piece of news that comes from the disaster. Phonearena has done nothing wrong, lighten up jerks.

posted on Mar 17, 2011, 9:23 PM 4

11. luis_lopez_351

Posts: 951; Member since: Nov 18, 2010

thank you!

posted on Mar 17, 2011, 9:34 PM 1

12. devil

Posts: 8; Member since: Apr 10, 2008

it doestn't matter wheather iPhone 4 or iPad2 will delay or nt. most important thing is to save the humanity & help Japan to overcome this situation. nothing is bigger than ppl. these toys will come & go.