Could Q2 2013 Lead to Bad News for the Apple Inc. (AAPL) iPad?

As we have discussed earlier today, tablet shipments are expected to outpace PC shipments in 2013 with more of the same to come in the following years. While this may appear to be good news for companies such as Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), the Cupertino based company, along with others, needs to pay close attention to its iPad lineup and how it is performing.

The reason we say this is that DigiTimes is reporting the following: Global tablet sales in 2Q13 may fall 20-30% sequentially, say Taiwan makers

Obviously, this type of decline will have a major impact on Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL). After all, its iPad lineup is top dog in the tablet market right now and it does not have any plans of giving up this spot.

Here is an excerpt from the story, explaining what could potentially happen during the second quarter of 2013:

“Global tablet sales in the second quarter of 2013, due to off-season effects and consumers deferring purchases in anticipation of new models to be launched in the third quarter, are likely to decrease by 20-30% from 49.2 million units sold in the first quarter based on IDC statistics, according to Taiwan-based supply chain makers.

Among first-tier tablet vendors, Apple’s overall iPad sales are expected to suffer a decline in the second quarter. In addition to a sales drop for the 9.7-inch iPad, iPad mini sales are also expected to see a sequential decrease of 20-30% due to excess inventories and seasonal factors.”

If you believe the DigiTimes sources, it does not spell good news for Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL).  Of course, even if this is true, this sort of “down time” is to be expected.

It does make sense that some consumers will hold back on purchasing an iPad in hopes that a new device will hit the market sooner rather than later.

What about the Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPad mini? Things are not looking any better for the little brother:

“Sources from panel players also noted that panel shipments for iPad mini in the second quarter are expected to drop sharply from the original forecast of 10-12 million units to only 8-9 million.”

If this report is true and Apple does experience a drop-off in sales, others in this market will likely face the same.

“Although Amazon is also likely to be impacted by off-season effects in the second quarter, since the company is expected to release a new 7-inch tablet in July and expand its Kindle Store to more countries, there will be a good chance that the company will attract demand away from its competitors in the second half.”

What do you think about this rumor? Is the Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPad going to lose steam during the second quarter of 2013? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.