Apple Postpones Japan iPad LaunchApple Postpones Japan iPad Launch

Apple iPad 2 3G Teardown

The iPad 2 was scheduled for a March 25 launch in Japan. It appears that's not going to happen. In light of the earthquake and subsequent tsunami that wreaked havoc in Japan on Thursday, the launch has been delayed to an unannounced date in the future.

"We are delaying the launch of the iPad 2 in Japan while the country and our teams focus on recovering from the recent disaster," said Apple spokesperson Natalie Kerris.

The Tokyo Apple Store has been lauded for its valiant efforts at helping the Japanese public while the disaster unfolded. The store allowed customers to use the Internet and Wi-Fi to read news and search for and contact loved ones. Apple Store staffers helped customers with their devices (even after the store closed at 10 p.m.), and even brought out chargers, surge protectors, and cables to allow customers to revitalize their phones. They weren't kind just to iPhone users. Android smartphone users were also helped when it came to accessing the store's Wi-Fi.

Beyond simply providing power and connectivity, Tokyo Apple Store employees also shepherded scared people to the top levels of the store, where many took shelter under tables for protection. Apple allowed its store employees to sleep at the store, and also made sure there was food and water available.

In the U.S., the iPad 2 remained a scarcity. Some stores reportedly received some inventory this morning, but the three Apple Stores I called are still sold out. Most retailers remain out of stock.

Those looking to order the iPad via Apple's online store will have a long wait ahead of them. Shipping times have slipped again from three to four weeks to five weeks now. That means if you order an iPad 2 online today, it won't ship until about April 19. The good news is that those who were able to squeeze their orders in during the first hours of pre-ordering availability on Thursday have begun to receive their iPads.

Obviously, the shortage of iPad 2s is by no means important in the light of everything that's happening in Japan (and other areas of the world). Still, it would appear that either Apple drastically underestimated demand or it simply hasn't scaled up production yet.

Apple hasn't said if the iPad 2 launch for other countries will also be delayed.