iPod Touch availability issues were first suspected last month, as delivery times from Apple’s online store stretched to 7-10 days from the regular 24hrs, and now analysts are warning that there may be a further shortage over the coming holiday season as touchscreen delays impact on Cupertino’s original plans to ramp up supply.

 iPod Touch parts may be in short supply

Instead, volume shipments are predicted to begin towards the end of the month at the earliest.  MacNN points to the fluctuations in NAND flash memory availability back in September, which was initially assumed to be because the company had bought all they needed for the upcoming season but now believes was a byproduct of absent touchscreens.

If you’re thinking of getting someone a Touch for Christmas - or were hoping to be given one yourself - then it may be an idea to buy sooner rather than later.