iSuppli Predicts Apple Will Sell 120 Million iPads By 2012

iSuppli has increased its shipment forecast for the iPad to 120 million units by 2012. The company has raised its shipment forecast for the iPad to 13.8 million units in 2010, up from its July outlook of 12.9 million.

Apple in its earnings announcement for the fiscal fourth said it shipped 4.2 million iPads during the three-month period ending September 25. The pronouncement indicates that Apple has been able to overcome limitations in component supply so that it can ramp up production.

"In its previous iPad forecasts, iSuppli noted that the only constraint on shipment growth now is production—and not demand," said Rhoda Alexander, director of monitor research for iSuppli. "The only factor limiting production is the availability of key iPad components, such as the Field Fringe Switching (FFS) LCD panels, projected capacitive touch screens and NAND flash. Despite ongoing yield issues, Apple's suppliers have steadily increased monthly production to meet Apple's demand. Production rates are now on target to meet the expected strong fourth-quarter sales."


By end of year, iSuppli expects the iPad production rate to approach or exceed 2.5 million units per month.

With Apple bringing on additional suppliers in 2011, iSuppli also has increased its 2011 shipment forecast to 43.7 million units, up from 36.5 million, and expanded its 2012 outlook to 63.3 million units, up from 50.4 million previously.