"Extremely Small" Number of Verizon iPad 2s Replaced Due to 3G Connectivity Issues [UPDATED]

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We've contacted Apple to find out why these iPad 2s have been recalled, but in the meantime, there are multiple reports of halted shipments and FedEx packages marked "return to sender" at Apple's request. From customers on Apple's discussion forum, the gist of the comments go like this: "iPad2 makes it all the way from CHINA to within 40 miles of our house and they are returning it to the sender!!"

Another tipster, apparently an Apple Store employee, told 9-to-5 Mac:

"Apple has given all the stores a list of serial numbers to scan, if it’s a match we were told to set aside and ship back to Apple, these are only for Verizon iPads. This was to be done on Monday and continue to scan all shipments thru June 11. I had over one hundred to send back."

Another tip to 9-to-5 Mac offered the following explanation: "If someone activates a cellular connection on the device, then wants to view or edit account information, they can’t. They receive a message that it is activated, and that’s it. I saw someone open at least 6 looking for one that didn’t do it. It’s device specific, not software."

What has us perplexed is the notion that the secretive Apple recalled a large number of its products without making any comment about the reasons why.

Update: Apple has confirmed to AllThingsD that an "extremely small" number of Verizon iPad 2s were shipped with identical mobile equipment identifiers (MEIDs) for the Verizon network, compelling Apple to replace the devices.