The iPad has been delayed. Apple just sent out official word that its tablet won’t be hitting the UK in March as previously announced, but will now be available in late April. If you’re in the US, you’re in luck: the iPad will go on sale there on April 3rd, with iPad pre-orders kicking off on March 12.
Apple has previously been shooting for a March release for non-3G versions of the iPad, with 3G-equipped models following it in April. Now, however, Apple says we’ll need to wait until “late April” before getting our grubby British paws on them.
Issuing a statement, Apple head honcho Steve Jobs trotted out his familiar iPad sales pitch: “iPad is something completely new. We’re excited for customers to get their hands on this magical and revolutionary product and connect with their apps and content in a more intimate, intuitive and fun way than ever before.”
No admittance that this is a delay then, albeit a relatively minor one. Apple says that “all models of iPad will be available in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK in late April,” so if you were holding out for a 3G-ready version anyway, it’s unlikely you’ll notice much difference. Still, it’s a direct contradiction to reports earlier this week that the iPad was on track for a March 26 launch.
For those with their hearts set on a Wi-Fi iPad however, it’s cause for more than a little disappointment. Apple is unusually reliable when it comes to launching new products. A release slip is rare, and thoroughly out of character for the Cupertino firm. Stay tuned, and we’ll bring you the UK’s exact iPad release date as soon as Apple lets it slip. Sorry, announces it.
Out April | From $499 (UK prices TBC) | Apple
