Digitimes is reporting that a number of smartphone and tablet manufacturers are scrambling to secure supplies ahead as signs suggest possible component shortage in the near future. The earthquake that struck Japan in March and the power brownout policy that followed are cited as reasons for the production shortfalls.
Asustek Computer, Acer, Motorola, Apple, High Tech Computer (HTC), Quanta Computer and Compal Electronics are all apparently trying to secure supplies of components that include MLCCs (capacitors), power amplifiers, memory, and cover glass for touch panels to maintain production. While most have so far indicated that they are unaffected, Digitimes’ sources suggest that this could change as early as June as suppliers begin to run out of inventory.
A separate Digitimes report suggests that Foxconn Electronics which supplies Apple with the iPhone 4 and iPad 2 is facing a shortage of both labor and materials at its plants in Chengdu, China. As a result, Foxconn may not be able to meet Apple’s demand for up to 3 million iPad 2’s per month for Q2 2011.