Component Suppliers Concerned about their iPad Reliance
The iPad’s components are sourced from a select few top-tier suppliers based out of Taiwan, whose orders from Apple overshadow orders from any other vendor. These suppliers provide the batteries, glass, chassis, touch screen panel, LED back light and more for the production of the iPad.
According to a recent report from Digitimes, there is growing concern among suppliers that if no serious competition emerges for Apple’s iPad, the tablet market may begin to stagnate and component suppliers will face a crisis. With the drop in orders from other tablet makers, these suppliers are concerned that Apple is the only viable player in the tablet industry. If this proves to be the case, suppliers fear Apple’s iPad may saturate the market by as early as 2012, leaving suppliers without work.