Apple to delay iPad 2 launch in Japan so employees can focus on recovery

In the wake of the devastating Japan earthquake which occurred on March 11, Apple has decided to postpone the introduction of the iPad 2 to the quake-ravaged country. Originally, Japan was to launch the iPad 2 on March 25.

Apple spokesperson Natalie Kerris said,

“We are delaying the launch of the iPad 2 in Japan while the country and our teams focus on recovering from the recent disaster. Our hearts go out to the people of Japan, including our employees and their families, who have been impacted by this terrible tragedy.”

Placing employees and their families ahead of profit is a good move on Apple's part. Additionally, as related earlier in an email from an Apple employee to Digg's Kevin Rose, Apple Stores in Japan stayed open to help folks use the Internet from within their stores. There are almost no free wi-fi hotspots in Japan, it was reported.

There has been no announcement on a future date for an iPad 2 rollout to Japan. However, the other countries previously listed for March 25 are still on track: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the U.K.

Via: Digital Daily, Kevin Rose