iPad Mini supply problems will continue into 2013

Apple may have problems with meeting demand for the iPad Mini until Q1 2013, according to reports out of China.

Allegedly the issues are related to a shortage of display panels and backlight modules.

Digitimes cites unnamed sources, which claim AU Optronics, one of the primary suppliers, has encountered production setbacks which will mean only around 6 million iPad Minis can be made instead of the 10 million Apple aimed for. The production problems are also said to be affecting iMac shipments.

If true, the delays and smaller number of units shipped could cause Apple to fail to hit its expected sales targets and capitalise on the Christmas rush.

Likewise this could be an opportunity for Google’s Nexus 7 and Amazon’s Kindle Fire models to move in where Apple is unable to meet demand.

Google’s Nexus 7 also experienced supply shortages but this was due to issues with processing and delivering orders via the Google Play store and in the sheer overwhelming demand which hadn’t been anticipated.

Subsequent production required a significant boost to meet demand. Google has just launched a 32GB variant of the Nexus 7, along with a 3G enabled model.

Carphone Warehouse has revealed it will price the 32GB model at only £179 massively undercutting Apple’s iPad Mini.