Apple iPad Shipments Suddenly Rise: Next Tablet in Stores by Weekend? [REPORT]

Credit:

Apple might be forgoing a pop-up store for SXSW this year, but reports from the shipping industry indicate that the company has already started to move units into the U.S.

According to MacRumors, Apple's high number of shipments are making it difficult for other companies to get products out of China. MacRumors cited one source who saw shipping rates increase 20 percent in one week, apparently due to Apple's volume of shipments. Another shipping manager told MacRumors a similar story.

Meanwhile, AppleInsider reports that DHL's air cargo prices are also on the rise because Apple uses that company to ship products from the U.S. to China.

As AppleInsider notes, DHL would be just one of several courier services used by Apple. The company also has relationships with UPS (including non-standard Saturday deliveries) and Federal Express.

What does this mean? It is looking more likely that the next generation iPad (and possibly a new Apple TV) will be available in stores by week's end.

Historically, Apple makes its Mac and iPod products available either on the same day or on the day after a major announcement. Online orders often ship directly from China. However, Apple Stores and other authorized retailers are often stocked with new products in time for launch events.

Mashable will be in attendance at tomorrow's Apple's event. Watch for our liveblog so you don't miss a second of Apple news.