Apple Postpones Japanese Launch of iPad 2

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As Japan struggles to cope with the ongoing tragedies engendered by earthquakes, tsunamis and faltering nuclear power plants, Apple has announced that it will postpone the launch of the iPad 2 in the tech-savvy country.

The tablet, which launched on Friday in the U.S., was scheduled to debut in Japan on March 25. But Apple spokeswoman Natalie Kerris told Macworld in a statement that Apple is “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.”

It’s just the latest in a series of smart and sensitive moves by Apple, whose stores in Japan reportedly became havens for survivors trying to contact relatives in the immediate aftermath of the quake and tsunami. The company was also swift to solicit donations to the Red Cross via the iTunes Store.

As for now, the Japanese iPad 2 launch is postponed indefinitely.

More on Techland:

Tech Supply Shortages Loom After Japan Quake

Quake Knocks Japanese Games Offline, Delays Release of Others

Japan’s Tech Industry Temporarily Shuts Down