A DigiTimes report Wednesday suggests that Apple (AAPL)’s poor yields in the production of display parts for both the iPad mini and iMacs, will constrain shipments of both products throughout 2012.
“Mass production of panels used in the iPad mini has reportedly suffered low yield rates, and backlight module providers have also had a shortage of supplies, which is affecting the amount of iPad minis that can be shipped in 2012,” one of DigiTimes sources was quoted as saying.
Because of these issues, Apple, which is said to have set a 10 million shipment target for the iPad mini for the fourth quarter of 2012, may only reach 6 million during the period, according to the report.
Meanwhile, limited quantity due to issues with the newly released 21.5″ and 27″ iMac panels from LGD is also proving to be a problem for Cupertino.
“Additionally, the sources said new iMac models use panels sourced only from LGD. The company has had to develop a new production process for mass producing the iMac panels and has limited capaicty, which is delaying shipments”.
According to the report, Apple is expected to reach its shipment targets for both the iPad mini and iMacs during the first quarter of 2013.
Worries about supply shortages have certainly been a contributory factor in Apple’s falling stock price. On Tuesday AAPL closed down $4.78, or 0.81%, to $584.78, $120+ lower from Sept. 21, 2012 record highs. That said, the ticker on 52-wk basis is up 53% compared to S&P500’s 12%.
(h/t macrumors)
I can understand the iMac issues, but not the Mini. Last weekend, the Boston Galleria Mall had 32GB ***white*** iPad Minis in stock (white are always in short supply). I’d bet Apple is ducting Minis to markets where they know they’ll sell same day. That favors the coasts, screws Mall of America, where Gene Munster and his troops camped out last weekend.
DigiTimes are complete lying clickbaiters the shorts love to push.