LG Display, the world's second-largest liquid crystal display maker, says that it is unable to supply the orders for flat panels from Apple. The orders, which are meant for the production of the iPad tablet, may be delivered by the second quarter of next year. The company is a major supplier of flat screens for the iPad and iPhone.

"Apple is ordering more and more displays, but it isn't something we can be able to respond [to] quickly," said Kwon Young-soo, LG Display's Chief Executive.

"I am not sure whether we can be able to meet orders from other companies for similar products, but we will be able to supply the displays without fail ... by the second quarter of next year."

Since the iPad was launched in early April, Apple has sold 3.3 million units of the device. Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO, said that the iPad will be released in 19 more countries by the end of July, in spite of concerns that component shortages may delay the launch of the product overseas.

Rhoda Alexander, director of market research firm iSuppli Corp, says that "the only limitation on iPad sales now is production and not demand."

"Apple has taken a very controlled approach introducing this product to new markets, with manufacturing limitations likely being the major inhibitor on how quickly iPad sales expand."