The Australian launch of the Apple iPad could slip by as much as three months, with Apple Australia now in a position to launch a 3G-enabled model from day one due to overseas production problems.According to sources in Australia, the company is looking at a launch date of July 2010. This will also allow additional content providers including several leading publishers to have content ready for the device.
Apple is also looking to expand its licensing program whereby website owners who drive consumers into the Apple application and iTunes store to make a purchase get a percentage of the revenue.
Earlier today AP reported that the launch of the iPad was set to be delayed because of an “unspecified production problem”, Canaccord Adams analyst Peter Misek wrote in a research note earlier this week that Taiwanese supplier Hon Hai Precision could be facing a production bottleneck or a shortage of components.
“An unspecified production problem at the iPad’s manufacturer, Hon Hai Precision, will likely limit the launch region to the US and the number of units available to roughly (300,000) in the month of March, far lower than the company’s initial estimate of (1 million) units. The delay in production ramp will likely impact Apple’s April unit estimate of (800,000) as well,” Misek wrote.
Currently several Australian phone carriers are talking to Apple about the supply of a 3G service for the iPad which will come in two models. One with 3G and one without. The price difference is set to be around $240 between the two models.
The delay will impact accessory manufacturers who have shipped stock into Australia in anticipation of a April Launch.
