Research and Markets (www.researchandmarkets.com) is predicting that iPad 2 and new iPad touch panel shipments will drop to 13-14 million units in the second quarter of 2012 (2Q12), showing 20% quarter-over-quarter (QoQ) decline.
Based on Apple’s recent financial report, total iPad sell-through shipments decreased to 11.8M units in 1Q12 showing -23% QoQ decline, according to the research group.
“Evidently, iPad end demand is weaker than what we previously anticipated and this may be attributed to previous product life cycle transition in 1Q12,” says Research and Markets. ” It’s our concern that overall iPad component inventories are likely to be higher than normal at this moment. In that case, Apple is expected to adjust down their production forecast with related supply chain in the next 1-2 months.”