Apple iPad Launches 3rd April with March 12 Pre-Orders

Official word is out about the Apple iPad launch. Apple [AAPL] have announced that the iPad will ship in the US on the 3rd April with pre-orders starting on March 12 (wi-fi only version).

Apple stores will also put the Apple iPad on sale the same day as well as authorised resellers. The version that you can pre-order is the Wi-Fi only model on the 12th March in the US with the 3G version shipping later in April.

In addition to launching the iPad early in April with the 3G version launching late April, the late April launch will also include Wi-Fi and 3G models in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK with other countries following later on in the year.

Prices in the US were previously confirmed, but also re-confirmed in the announcement as being…

Apple iPad 16GB Wi-Fi Only – $499 – Launching April 3
Apple iPad 32GB Wi-Fi Only – $599 – Launching April 3
Apple iPad 64GB Wi-Fi Only – $699 – Launching April 3
Apple iPad 16GB Wi-Fi + 3G – $629 – Launching Late April
Apple iPad 32GB Wi-Fi + 3G – $729 – Launching Late April
Apple iPad 64GB Wi-Fi + 3G – $829 – Launching Late April

Apple iPad UK Launch

Apple do confirm that the iPad (both Wi-Fi Only and Wi-Fi + 3G) models will be shipping in the UK late April. Geeky Gadgets posted the prices leaked from an anonymous tipster who said the 16GB model would be £389 as well as the launch date being pushed in to April. Here is what we know so far in terms of shipping dates with rumoured prices…

Apple iPad 16GB Wi-Fi Only – £389 (Rumour) – Launching Late April
Apple iPad 32GB Wi-Fi Only – £439 (Rumour) – Launching Late April
Apple iPad 64GB Wi-Fi Only – £489 (Rumour) – Launching Late April
Apple iPad 16GB Wi-Fi + 3G – £*** – Launching Late April
Apple iPad 32GB Wi-Fi + 3G – £*** – Launching Late April
Apple iPad 64GB Wi-Fi + 3G – £*** – Launching Late April

The iBooks application has also been confirmed as a free download bringing Apple iBookstore to the iPad on April 3 in the US. Other countries will receive the app later on in the year (no specific dates provided).