Apple will hold off the release of the iPad 2 in Japan, as the country continues to deal with the aftermath of last week's earthquake and tsunami.
The international release of the tablet is set for March 25, but Apple told All Things Digital that for now the country and the company's staff in Japan should focus on more important issues.
“We are delaying the launch of the iPad 2 in Japan while the country and our teams focus on recovering from the recent disaster,” a spokesperson said. “Our hearts go out to the people of Japan, including our employees and their families, who have been impacted by this terrible tragedy.”
Apple has not announced a new launch date.
The devastation caused by the earthquake and tsunami will also likely affect the country's technology industry, including production of parts for the iPad. For instance, Toshiba makes NAND Flash memory chips that are used in Apple products, including the iPad. Toshiba's plant has closed because of damage, with no date yet for reopening.