Apple Postpones iPad 2 Launch in Japan

March 15, 2011 at 9:45 am PT

With Japan facing a mounting crisis in the wake of last week’s devastating earthquake and tsunami, Apple has decided to postpone the launch of the iPad 2 in the 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,” spokesperson Nat Kerris told me. “Our hearts go out to the people of Japan, including our employees and their families, who have been impacted by this terrible tragedy.” The Japanese debut of the iPad had been slated for March 25, the device’s international launch day. Its new launch date has not yet been set.

Apple backed up its words of sympathy and concern with action. Via email to Kevin Rose, an employee at one of Apple’s Tokyo stores told how the retail outlets stayed open and became public communication centers after the quake and how Apple took care of its workers.

Tagged with: Apple, earthquake, iPad 2, iPad 2 launch, Japan, John Paczkowski

comments so far. Add yours.

Anonymous

Good not to appear to be capitalizing on the tribulations of the Japanese people, but certain to increase the distress of thousands of would-be Japanese iPad2 buyers.
The proverbial “rock and a hard place”.
Anonymous

So Apple don’t want an earthquake and tsunami overshadowing the launch of the iPad?
http://www.facebook.com/people/Tony-Mills/1099638671 Tony Mills

Practical limitations. Retail stores are likely damaged. No place to sell from. Transportation systems are down. No way to get people to the store. Logistics are overburdened. Disaster relief coming in is taking all available shipping lines, no way to get product in. And, its good form.
Anonymous

Aye Aye Aye, why? Cause of the quake? Since when does that stop Apples hunger for the precious dollar?

http://www.anon-tools.es.tc
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_4P4M25HRM7R2CAIEEHFJ4IQ5QY will

The stores don’t appear to be damaged, but we are having some supply line issue with basic necessities in Tokyo. Plus, a lot of people are leaving major urban areas which would mean fewer customers to sell to.
Anonymous

If Apple really gave a damn about their customers, they would make it available. It’s not like Japan isn’t fuctioning. This simply amounts to the Japanese disaster overshadowing their launch party flugelhorns. Pretty shallow really.
http://www.victorianplumbing.co.uk/category-articles.aspx jonna scotts

This is good that apple has postponed the launch of ipad2 in japan, due to disaster loss can occur in capitalisation.