Apple plays down iPad 2 delays

Vendor denies delivery problems are to blame for late-day product launch

Apple has dismissed claims that supply problems have forced it to delay the launch of the iPad 2 by half a day.

According to channel sources, Apple stockists assumed the iPad 2 would go on sale at 9am on Friday morning when the 25 March launch date was first announced.

However, the vendor confirmed in a media alert sent out yesterday that the product will not be available to purchase from any UK retail outlet until 5pm.

ChannelWeb understands the vendor has also instructed partners to shut up shop an hour beforehand so their stores can be reorganised to accommodate the new device.

Robert Peckham, former head of the Mac Technology Association, said the move has angered partners, especially those who have the product in stock already.

"I understand that there has been a delay in getting the product shipped to the UK, and that is why the release time is so late in the day on Friday," said Peckham.

"Some retailers have already got the product in stock, and are not very happy about losing a whole day of sales because their competitors will not have them in time."

A spokesperson for Apple denied the product's launch time has been pushed back. "It is 5pm for all Apple Stores and retailers, which is exactly the same time it went on sale in the US earlier this month," he said.

Paul Mills, a store manager at Apple Premium Reseller (APR) Western Computer, said the timing of the launch could result in disappointing first-day sales for some retailers.

"Our stores officially close at 7pm, but we will continue to serve customers for as long as they keep coming through the doors," he explained.

"That is not going to be possible for all retailers to do, especially those located in shopping centres, as they will have to close when the rest of the complex does or face fines."