Apple Delays iPad 2 Launch in Wake of Japan Disaster

Amid the massive crisis facing Japan, Apple has decided to delay the Japanese release of the iPad 2.

The decision comes after Japan’s north-eastern coast was slammed by both a 9.0-magnitide earthquake and massive tsunami, which killed thousands and devastated the island country.

We are delaying the launch of the iPad 2 in Japan while the country and our teams focus on recovering from the recent disaster, Apple spokeswoman Natalie Kerris said.

The tablet, which was planned for a March 25 launch, has not been given a new release date by Apple.

In the wake of the Japan disaster, Apple, like many companies, is now faced with concerns over component shortages. While the company says that the move to delay the iPad 2 launch in Japan was not a result of these concerns, Japan’s status is as a significant producer of NAND flash is likely to have effects on future shipments of the iPad 2.

The devastation in Japan is also likely to have a significant impact on Japanese sales of the iPad 2, which likely prompted the move to postpone the device’s release.

Apple’s decision to delay the iPad 2 in Japan did not have an effect on the company’s plans in other countries. Twenty-five other counties will still see the iPad 2 next week.