Digitimes reports that Foxconn is struggling to meet Apple’s lofty iPad and iPhone-related demands. Shortages of both staff and components at its plants in China is “likely to affect” supplies of the iPhone 4 and iPad 2.
Foxconn, which has been plagued by staff suicides, emphasised that “the company will do all it can to satisfy its clients' needs,” but refused to comment specifically on the possibility of shortages.
Despite the imminent iPhone 5, sales of the iPhone 4 continue to rise. Apple sold 16.2 million units in Q4 2010, 18.6 million units in Q1 2011, and hopes to punt a whopping 20-22 million units this quarter.
Meanwhile, analyst type guys predict that Apple will sell seven million iPad 2s this quarter, but Apple – keen to hit its target of 35-40 million sales in 2011 – is said to be pushing for 10-10.5 million units.
Apple isn’t the only company facing shortages and delays. The Japanese earthquake in March continues to affect supplies of vital components, such as power amplifiers and memory, pushing back the release of phones such as the Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo.
