Last-Minute News: Apple Postpones International iPad Launch

Apple has issued an advisory informing members of the media that the company will be unable to fulfill demand for iPads in the nearby future. The Mac maker cites “surprisingly strong US demand,” saying that it has also taken a large number of pre-orders for iPad 3G models for delivery by the end of this month. As such, the international launch of the iPad has been pushed to the end of May. Apple also confirmed selling half a million devices during the first week since launch.

“Although we have delivered more than 500,000 iPads during its first week, demand is far higher than we predicted and will likely continue to exceed our supply over the next several weeks as more people see and touch an iPad,” the latest statement from Apple reads. “We have also taken a large number of pre-orders for iPad 3G models for delivery by the end of April,” the company begins its plea.

“Faced with this surprisingly strong US demand, we have made the difficult decision to postpone the international launch of iPad by one month, until the end of May,” the Mac maker sadly reveals. “We will announce international pricing and begin taking online pre-orders on Monday, May 10.”

Apple includes a more personal note, saying, “We know that many international customers waiting to buy an iPad will be disappointed by this news, but we hope they will be pleased to learn the reason—the iPad is a runaway success in the US thus far.”

Softpedia note
This “reason” will do little to comfort those eagerly waiting to see the tablet released in their territory. In fact, some of these people couldn’t care less about how the US regards the iPad, feeling discriminated for always getting Apple’s latest thing late.