Citing sources from within Apple’s supply chain, DigiTimes reports that the tablet titan plans to ship between 6 and 6.5 million iPad tablets in the first quarter of 2011. Apple is also aiming for shipment totals to hit 40 million units for the full year, the report adds. The first-quarter shipment total supposedly includes both iPad and iPad 2 shipments, which further supports rumors that Apple plans to release its second-generation iPad before the end of March. DigiTimes also says Apple has between 300,000 and 400,000 iPad 2 units baked in its initial batch, which could lead to shortages unless Apple’s suppliers manage to ship a second run ahead of the tablet’s imminent release. Apple shipped 7.3 million iPad units in its last fiscal quarter, which ended on December 25, 2010.
