For the first time, they also seem to hit the iPhone: the global chip shortages. The company is said to have even reduced iPad production to provide enough chips for the iPhone 13.
iPhone 13 chip shortage
Due to chip shortages, the latest iPhone 13 models and Apple Watch Series 7 have very little stock worldwide. To ensure that the delivery time of the latest flagships does not increase too much, Apple has scaled back iPad production.
This reports the usually well-informed Nikkei Asia based on sources within Apple’s supply chain. Apple is said to have cut iPad production by as much as 50 percent in the past two months. Older iPhone models are now also made less frequently, to give priority to the latest iPhone 13 family.
Long delivery times for iPad
The iPhone and iPad share many similar components, including the processor and other internal parts. The choice to prioritize the latest phones is not surprising. The iPhone is Apple’s main source of income – far more important than the iPad.
It does mean that you may have to wait longer to receive the iPad. The delivery time for the latest iPad 2021 and iPad mini 2021 has risen to December, as can be seen on the Apple website. You will receive the iPhone 13 models a lot faster: often within a week. With the more advanced iPhone 13 Pro (Max), the delivery time is often a bit longer.
Earlier, Apple warned that the products will experience long delivery times during the Christmas period, including the iPhone, iPad and Mac. The company therefore encouraged customers to shop early for the holidays this year.
Faster via webshops
The delivery time of the iPads in the Apple Store has therefore increased considerably, but at some webshops you will receive the iPad 2021 or iPad mini 2021 within 24 hours after ordering. You can see which webshops those are in our iPad 2021 price comparator and iPad 2021 price comparator.