The iPad 3 is making a mark for itself after some rumour mongering from sources claiming Apple’s decision is to cut some current orders of the iPad 2 from its supply chain.
Digitimes have said that parts for the iPad 3 have already begun to be shipped and that the demand appears to be normal for the last Quarter of 2011. Some alarm has been caused due to rumours generated by industry sources saying that Apple’s decision was to reduce iPad 2 orders by 25% because the iPad 3 release date is getting closer.
iPad 3 Supply Chain Shipping FPCB’s (Flexible Printed Circuit Boards)
FPCB’s being manufactured for the iPad 3 have begun. Under sourcing from Career Technology, Flexium Interconnect and Sunflex Tech. The plants are now operating at full capacity, and thanks to increased orders from Apple, Ichia Technology hit a new high for their corporate revenues in August 2011.
It’s clear that iPad 3 parts have begun to be shipped but were still forecasted and on track for an early 2012 iPad 3 release date.
Taiwan-based flexible PCB makers, including Career Technology, Flexium Interconnect and Sunflex Tech, have begun shipping FPCBs for iPad 3 and total shipment volumes of iPad-use FPCBs in the fourth quarter of 2011 will remain at the same levels as recorded in the third quarter despite market reports stating that Apple has lowered iPad 2 orders for the fourth quarter by 25%, according to industry sources.
Career, Flexium and Zhen Ding Technology Holding are currently operating nearly at full capacity, while flexible copper-clad laminate (FCCL) makers Taiflex Scientific and ThinFlex have also received volume orders from Apple, the sources noted.
FPCB maker Ichia Technology also saw its revenues hit a record high in August thanks to increased FPCB orders from Apple and Research in Motion (RIM). The company is expected to see its revenues grow over 30% sequentially to NT$2.3 billion (US$75.23 million) in the third quarter, according to an estimate by industry source.
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