Update: Apple delays Australian iPad launch

By Ry Crozier on Apr 15, 2010 6:03 AM
Filed under Hardware

Telcos Telstra, Optus and VHA announce they will carry the device.

Australian carriers Telstra, Optus and VHA have said they will all carry the 3G version of the Apple iPad, with Telstra announcing it "will offer dedicated iPad price plans from the end of May."

Apple yesterday announced that it has pushed back the Australian launch of the iPad by a month to cope with "surprisingly strong demand" for the device in the United States.

In a statement released Thursday, Apple said demand was stronger than predicted, leading to sales of half a million devices in the first week alone.

"Demand will likely continue to exceed our supply over the next several weeks as more people see and touch an iPad," an Apple spokesman said.

"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 know that many international customers waiting to buy an iPad will be disappointed by this news, but we hope they will be pleased to learn the reason—the iPad is a runaway success in the US thus far."

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International prices would be revealed on May 10, coinciding with the Apple website accepting online orders from customers.

Ovum analyst Tim Renowden believed the delay was sensible.

"iPad is based on a number of high-end components, including its Apple-designed A4 processor and 9.7-inch LCD screen, which will take Apple's manufacturing partners time to produce in significant volume," he said.

"If Apple's tightly-managed supply chain is genuinely stretched by unexpected demand, Apple is sensible to push back its international launch and focus on the strong demand in its home market and on meeting existing pre-orders for the 3G version of the iPad."

The device sold more than 300,000 on its first day alone in US stores. But reviews have criticised, among other things, the lack of USB and video calling, and the flaky Wi-Fi.

Apple has acknowledged the Wi-Fi issue.

The iPad was initially scheduled for international launch in "late April". A 3G version of the device was also expected to ship in the same timeframe.

"We have taken a large number of pre-orders for iPad 3G models for delivery by the end of April," an Apple spokesman said today.

Update: Apple delays Australian iPad launch

4 comments in this discussion

"@Johnny What makes you think the base price is $1000? Based on the usual "conversion" factor of around 1.3x, the entry level model would be around $649 which is line with a recent APC article on ..."

By mrbean

Tags

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Comments: 4

Johnny Apr 15, 2010 10:30 AM	Apple can go scerw themselves now. US price: 16gb wifi only $499 AU price: 16gb wifi only $1000
ITrant Apr 15, 2010 10:49 AM	It's a funny thing. People want it because it's a very seductive device. What's most seductive is how 'the objections' just don't seem to matter. The screen resolution (1024x768) is the biggest drawback (Macworld says it doesn't render small fonts well in iBooks), but otherwise it looks absolutely stunning. The Wi-Fi problem should be fixed in firmware, but so far no fixes. They're nuts to try to make a device with a metal back and expect Wi-Fi to work. They scrapped the Original iPhone's metal back for plastic (that 'wouldn't blend', so it's no slouch). There's method in the madness of not transferring files directly, however much of a pain it is that you can't just mount it as a flash drive or plug in a flash drive. Photos for example are optimised for iPad (and save space) and look startling, so no one's complaining too loudly. There were iPads going begging before midday on launch day in the U.S., and despite Jobs' unconvincing 'we're selling them as fast as we can make them' last week, the reason for the delay doesn't quite ring true. iPad's an unknown quantity, a brilliant device searching for a market. I'm sure Apple spends more on market research than any other company on the planet, but you have to wonder). Maybe Apple really didn't order or couldn't make enough to meet demand, but you have to wonder, are they selling more than they anticipated? There is certainly the feeling that this is a huge gamble based on Jobs instinct and ability to sell, and Apple is a little nervous, despite the track record with the iPod, which also suffered the 'Who needs this?' objection originally. Maybe Apple really didn't order half a million for the first week. That is incredible sales given the objections and that a market does not yet exist.
singo79 Apr 15, 2010 10:20 PM	@Johnny +1 What do they think we are... stupid? Why on earth is there such a price difference? AUD$1 = USD$0.93 therefore I would expect an increase of about $40.00, but $500.00??? This is Apple treating Australians like f*ckwits and second class citizens. I'm with Johnny, Apple can go screw themselves!
mrbean Apr 15, 2010 11:40 PM	@Johnny What makes you think the base price is $1000? Based on the usual "conversion" factor of around 1.3x, the entry level model would be around $649 which is line with a recent APC article on the subject.