Apple iPad Air could set new launch weekend sales mark, topping 3 million units

Sometime tomorrow, Apple will be releasing figures revealing the number of its new Apple iPad Air that were sold on the tablet's launch weekend. With a lighter, smaller form factor and a bump up in specs, it is estimated by Piper Jaffray's Gene Munster that Apple could top the record opening weekend sales figure for its tablets. That record, set last year when 3 million units of the fourth-generation Apple iPad and Apple iPad mini were sold during the launch weekend, is within reach according to the analyst.

In a report sent out to the brokerage firm's clients, Munster said that he expects 2.5 million to 3.5 million units of the Apple iPad Air to be snatched up from Friday through Sunday. What makes this an impressive feat is that last year's record included the sales figures for both the Apple iPad mini and the fourth-generation iPad. Because of a shortage of Retina display panels, the Apple iPad mini with Retina display will have a later launch. Discount retailer Target had listed November 21st on a product page, as the date for the device's release. That date has since been removed.

One advantage that the iPad Air has over last year's flagship iPad is its wider launch. While the fourth-gen iPad originally was made available in 27 countries, and the third-gen model was launched only in 10, the new model is available in 52 countries, including China.

source: CNET