Did you go out and buy an iPad on launch day? Maybe you picked up an iPad sometime during the past couple weeks. Well, if you did, you have a WiFi-only iPad in your hands. Here’s a bit of news you probably don’t want to hear – Apple has announced that it will officially launch the 3G+GPS iPad model on April 30. That launch date is bumped up a week from Apple’s previous target of May 7 for all 3G pre-orders.
Starting April 30, at 5pm, Apple stores around the country will offer the 3G iPad to customers. Those of you that have already pre-ordered the AT&T-tethered version of the iPad can expect to see the tablet hitting your doorstep on April 30. Newer pre-orders will be delivered May 7.
Didn’t pre-order? That’s okay, too. You can pre-order now and get the 3G iPad to your door just a week after everyone else. Or, if you’re willing to make the trek out to your local Apple store, you might want to brave the crowds and pick up the wirelessly-connection iPad in person. That way you’ll have a chance to get the device on launch day – if they don’t sell out, that is.
If you’re an international type, you’ll have to wait until the end of May to get your hands on your new iPad. In fact, you won’t even be able to pre-order your iPad until May 10. The idea is to ensure a smooth launch in Apple’s American homeland.
The WiFi iPad has been selling well, by any measure. Apple recently announced that the first week of sales netted the iPhone-maker more than 500,000 sales. But, we have to wonder how the 3G model will affect future sales. There will no doubt be a select group of people who already own a WiFi iPad and will still spring for a 3G iPad. There are also going to be those that have resisted the urge to splurge on a WiFi-only variant with plans to purchase a 3G-enabled model. Will that translate into similar sales numbers over the next month or so? Time will tell!
The 3G iPad starts at $629 for the 16GB version, and goes all the way up to $829 for the 64GB version. AT&T will offer an unlimited monthly data plan, sans contract, for $30 per month. There’s also the option to pay $15 a month for 250MB of data.
Full press release after the break.
iPad Wi-Fi + 3G Models Available in US on April 30
CUPERTINO, California—April 20, 2010—Apple® today announced that the Wi-Fi + 3G models of its magical iPad™ will be delivered to US customers who’ve pre-ordered on Friday, April 30, and will be available in Apple retail stores the same day starting at 5:00 p.m.
iPad allows users to connect with their apps and content in a more intimate, intuitive and fun way than ever before. Users can browse the web, read and send email, enjoy and share photos, watch HD videos, listen to music, play games, read ebooks and much more, all using iPad’s revolutionary Multi-Touch™ user interface. iPad Wi-Fi + 3G models are just 0.5 inches thick and weigh just 1.6 pounds—thinner and lighter than any laptop or netbook—and deliver up to 10 hours of battery life for surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching videos or listening to music, and up to nine hours of surfing the web using a 3G data network.*
Apple retail stores will offer a free Personal Setup service to every customer who buys an iPad at the store, helping them customize their new iPad by setting up their email, loading their favorite apps from the App Store, and more. US Apple retail stores are also hosting special iPad workshops to help customers learn more about this magical new product.
Pricing & Availability
iPad is available in Wi-Fi models in the US for a suggested retail price of $499 for 16GB, $599 for 32GB and $699 for 64GB. The Wi-Fi + 3G models will be available on April 30 in the US for a suggested retail price of $629 for 16GB, $729 for 32GB and $829 for 64GB. iPad is sold in the US through the Apple Store® (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores, most Best Buy stores, select Apple Authorized Resellers and campus bookstores. AT&T is offering breakthrough 3G pre-paid data plans for iPad with easy, on-device activation and management.
iPad will be available at the end of May in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK. Apple will announce international pricing and begin taking online pre-orders for iPad on May 10.
*Battery life depends on device settings, usage and other factors. Actual results vary.
Apple ignited the personal computer revolution with the Apple II, then reinvented the personal computer with the Macintosh. Apple continues to lead the industry with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system, and iLife, iWork and professional applications. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store, has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and has recently introduced its magical iPad which is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices.