The Long Wait for Europeans
Due to the insatiable appetite of American consumers, those in the Euro-zone will have to wait until May at least to get their hands on an iPad. According to a recent statement from Apple, European pre-orders will not arrive in towns and hamlets until May 10.
A "Runaway Success" in the US
The popularity of the iPad in the United States is being cited as the reason for the delay. Apple’s statement mentions that demand has far exceeded predictions, with over 500,000 iPads sold during its first week on the market. This surge in demand has led to a shortage of supply, causing Apple to postpone the international launch of the iPad by one month.
A Statement from Apple
The company released a statement explaining the situation:
"Although we have delivered more than 500,000 iPads during its first week, demand is far higher than we predicted and will likely continue to exceed our supply over the next several weeks as more people see and touch an iPad. We have also taken a large number of pre-orders for iPad 3G models for delivery by the end of April.
Faced with this surprisingly strong US demand, we have made the difficult decision to postpone the international launch of iPad by one month, until the end of May. We will announce international pricing and begin taking online pre-orders on Monday, May 10."
A Disappointment for International Customers
The news is likely to be met with disappointment from international customers who were eagerly awaiting the arrival of the iPad. However, Apple’s statement offers some consolation by highlighting the popularity of the device in the US.
The Reason Behind the Delay
Apple hopes that the reason behind the delay will bring some comfort to those waiting for the iPad. The company claims that the iPad is a "runaway success" in the US, with demand far exceeding expectations.
A Look at Apple’s Statement
Here is the full statement from Apple:
"Although we have delivered more than 500,000 iPads during its first week, demand is far higher than we predicted and will likely continue to exceed our supply over the next several weeks as more people see and touch an iPad. We have also taken a large number of pre-orders for iPad 3G models for delivery by the end of April.
Faced with this surprisingly strong US demand, we have made the difficult decision to postpone the international launch of iPad by one month, until the end of May. We will announce international pricing and begin taking online pre-orders on Monday, May 10."
The Impact on European Consumers
The delay is likely to be a blow to consumers in Europe who were expecting to get their hands on an iPad sooner rather than later. The lack of supply and the subsequent delay are a testament to the success of Apple’s latest product.
A Silver Lining for International Customers
While the news may be disappointing, there is some good news for international customers. Apple has announced that it will begin taking online pre-orders on May 10, which should make it easier for consumers to get their hands on an iPad as soon as possible.
The Future of the iPad
The success of the iPad in the US is a clear indication that the device is going to be a hit with consumers worldwide. The delay may be frustrating for some, but it also gives Apple time to refine its product and meet the demand from international customers.
A Look at the Numbers
Here are some key statistics from Apple’s statement:
- Over 500,000 iPads sold during its first week
- Demand far exceeding predictions
- Large number of pre-orders taken for iPad 3G models
- International launch postponed by one month
Conclusion
The delay in the international launch of the iPad is a testament to the success of Apple’s latest product. While it may be frustrating for some, the company has given itself time to meet the demand from international customers and refine its product.
Related Articles
- Apple Announces International Pricing for iPad
- iPad 3G Model Pre-orders Sold Out in US
- Apple’s iPad Sales Exceed Expectations
About the Author
John Biggs is a writer, consultant, programmer, former East Coast Editor, and current contributing writer for TechCrunch. He writes mainly about technology, cryptocurrency, security, gadgets, gear, wristwatches, and the internet.
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