iPad sales hit 300,000 on first day
More than 300,000 Apple iPads were sold on its first day, Apple has revealed, with one research firm forecasting sales of 7 million this year.
The sales included deliveries of pre-ordered iPads to customers, deliveries to channel partners and sales at Apple Retail Stores.
In a forecast released on Friday, iSuppli said that worldwide iPad sales would hit 7.1 million units in 2010, before doubling to 14.4 million in 2011 and nearly tripling to 20.1 million in 2012.
“Touch is the new standard for user interfaces, providing a naturally intuitive way of operating an electronic device, whether you are two or 92,” said Rhoda Alexander, director of monitor research for iSuppli.
“The tablet form factor is ideally suited to touch. The iPad represents an intriguing mix of two devices that have struggled to gain traction for years: Internet appliances and tablet PCs.
“In a sharp departure from past tablet implementations, it appears that Apple has both minimised and maximised the capabilities of the devices, limiting it as a creation device but compensating for this shortcoming by offering a wealth of easily consumable applications.
“The device’s initial limitations are likely to be overlooked if Apple provides enough content to keep users engaged within the product limitations.”
The iPad will launch in the UK later this month, although no price has yet been given.