The impact could result from possible difficulties in getting raw materials to manufacture the iPad components and from shipping the finished products out. Another possible problem is employee absences due to transportation system problems.

"The various challenges are being compounded by interruptions in the electricity supply, which can have a major impact on delicate processes, such as semiconductor lithography," according to iSuppli.

Finally, the continued aftershocks are disrupting chipmaking facilities. "Earthquakes ranging from 4 to 7 on the Richter scale will make it impossible to really restart these fabs until the earthquakes stop happening with such frequency," said Dale Ford of HIS iSuppli. "Every time a quake tops 5, the equipment automatically shuts down."

Even if the Japanese suppliers do run into ongoing problems, it's hard to evaluate how great the impact might be on iPad 2 supplies, or how long it might last. That's because companies like Apple routinely have backup suppliers who can step in quickly to make up for shortages or supply chain disruptions.

According to iSuppli, the Toshiba NAND chips could be replaced by products from South Korea's Samsung Electronics, or U.S. memory vendor Micron Technology. Alternatives also exist for the Elpida DRAM.