Apple has reportedly diverted its iPad production crew toward fulfilling the iPhone 6 demand, resulting in a delay in the launch of the supersized iPad Air.
If you have been anticipating the launch of the supersized 12.9-inch iPad Air, Apple's latest news will be a disappointment. The Cupertino based, Calif., tech giant has reportedly delayed the mass production of the rumored iPad Air as it struggles to cope up with the growing demand for its flagship iPhone 6 smartphones. The hold-up in the production of the new iPad pushes the possible launch date from December to sometime early next year, sources told the Wall Street Journal.
"The top priority for the supply chain is to meet the overwhelming demand for the larger screen iPhones. The output of the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus remains unsatisfactory," an unnamed source at Apple's supply chain told the Journal. "It would be challenging for display makers to split resources and spend a few months to ramp up production for a new larger screen iPad now."
Apple has prioritized the production of its already-released iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus in favor of the unreleased device.
The publication goes on to say that Foxxconn Technology, one of the largest supply chains of iPhones and iPads, is also facing trouble keeping up the growing demand for the new phones. Over 200,000 workers are working on key components like metal casings for the new iPhones. The demand has also got the Chairman Terry Guo personally overseeing the operations at the Zhengzhou factories, an official added.
Apple released the new iPhones on Sept.12 and sold more than 10 million units of iPhone 6 and 6 Plus combined in the opening weekend. The company is also holding a press event on Oct. 16, for which invites have already been sent out to the media and special members. While new iPads are expected at the event, it is unclear if Apple will discuss its plans for the larger iPad.
The event can be live-streamed from Apple's official website for those who cannot be present at the event.
