Apple has already killed the iPad, iPhone ‘killers’

“When Apple introduced the iPod, it hit some really big problems ensuring supply of those hard drives used inside,” Jonny Evans reports for 9 to 5 Mac. “When the iPod nano appeared, it hit problems ensuring supply of the flash memory inside. In both cases, Apple reached deals to ensure supply, but in doing so nailed most of the available market for the component, meaning competitors were paying more for their supply of components while also being unable to get hold of sufficient supply.”

“History is repeating itself. Reports from Taiwan tell us that the strength of iPad and iPod touch demand is causign tight touch panel supply, meaning Apple has a big slice of the very market competitors need some access to in order to launch their own iPad (and iPhone) killers,” Evans reports. “‘Apple shipped about 17 million iPhones in the first half of 2010, and is expected to ship over 30 million iPhones for the year, up from 25 million units in 2009, the sources said, adding that iPad shipments for the year are expected to exceed 12.9 million units in 2010,’ [DigiTimes reports].”

Evans reports, “This is not good news for Apple competitors hoping to introduce Android-based tablets or phones.”

Full article here.