UK iPad 2 launch could be delayed

Rumours are building that next week’s planned UK launch of the Apple iPad 2 could be delayed.

A report from iSuppli estimates that at least five key components of the device (including the battery and compass) are manufactured in Japan. And with the country still suffering severe disruption following last week’s earthquake, sourcing these parts could prove very difficult.

The machine has already seen its Japanese launch postponed.

In addition, the device has been a bigger success than even Apple itself expected in America, shifting in the region of 1m units over its opening weekend. US customers are currently facing a four to five week wait for their orders to arrive.

Such a move wouldn’t be out of character, either. In 2010 the international launch of the iPad was delayed purely on the back of US demand.