Hello, friend: iPad to launch in nine more countries

Apple has announced that they will be launching the iPad in nine more countries on May 28.

The iPad will be launched in Canada, Australia, Germany, Italy, France, Japan, Switzerland, Spain and the U.K., following delays due to the U.S. launch.

Pre-order sales for those who just can’t wait to get their hands on one start May 10th.

The Wi-Fi tablet first went on sale April 3 in the U.S., and in just over a month has sold more than a million units (300,000 on launch day alone), more than Apple predicted. The iPad 3G launched April 30.

Since the launch of the 3G model, American retailers have been consistently sold out, with the Wi-Fi versions in scarce supply. Customers who wish to purchase have been placed on waiting lists to be notified when more tablets come in to stock.

This unforeseen American demand led to delays in international shipping of the product, initially scheduled for late April.

Apple is looking to roll the product out in additional international markets in July (Austria, Belgium, Hong Kong, Ireland, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand and Singapore), with launch dates for nine additional countries still to be announced.

Wi-Fi-only iPad:

  • 16GB – €479 Europe, £429 U.K., $549 Canadian, $629 Australian
  • 32GB – €579 Europe, £499 U.K., $649 Canadian, $759 Australian
  • 64GB – €679 Europe, £599 U.K., $749 Canadian, $879 Australian

Wi-Fi + 3G iPad

  • 16GB – €579 Europe, £529 U.K., $679 Canadian, $799 Australian
  • 32GB – €679 Europe, £599 U.K., $779 Canadian, $928 Australian
  • 64GB – €779 Europe, £699 U.K., $879 Canadian, $1,049 Australian