New iPad Sold Out as Orders Hit The Roof!

Demand for Apple’s new iPad is off the charts, according to a statement made to the USA Today by an Apple company spokesman. Apple has already blown through the pre-order stock it set aside to be delivered on March 16th, the shipping date had slipped to March 19th for new pre-orders. Since only the US and the UK are the only countries that were getting the new tablet on March 16th, it appeared as if the first allotment of iPads for online shipment had been snapped up by eager customers.

Now, Apple has confirmed that its pre-order stock of iPads has sold out, reports USA Today.

“Customer response to the new iPad has been off the charts and the quantity available for pre-order has been purchased,” Apple told the publication in a statement. “Customers can continue to order online and receive an estimated delivery date.”

If you took the weekend to think over your purchasing decision (perhaps while trying to sell your current iPad), you’ll be treated to some discouraging news upon visiting Apple’s online store. Shipping estimates for new iPads have slipped yet again; with the store now displaying a 2-3 week estimated shipping time for all iPad variants. If you order the new iPad today, it’ll likely be April before you’re able to get your hands on that gorgeous 9.7″ Retina display. I know of many people who are hoping to get the first batch and ship it down here (Kenya) just to make a kill.

Those hoping to score an iPad this month will have to line up at Apple retail locations on Friday, as we expect the devices will quickly sell out of stores on launch day even though they reportedly stocked up more units than they have for all previous iPad launches. If you do decide to line up for the new iPad, you’ll definitely want to get there early to ensure you’re able to snag the shiny new tablet.

The company’s stores generally get the largest stock of their launch-day devices and the line can take on something of a carnival atmosphere for Apple enthusiasts. Apple Retail Stores normally open around 8am on launch days as well, so get there early.

The new iPad is priced at $499 for 16GB, $599 for 32GB, $699 for 64GB. And $629, $729, and $829 for 4G. It will be available on March 16th in the US and is available for pre-order now. It will be available from March 23 for 32 other countries. The iPad 2 will continue to be sold for $399 in a 16GB flavor and $529 for a WiFi + 3G 16GB model.

So far, the demand for the device is looking to be fairly high, I wouldn’t be surprised to see it set a few records. The first iPad sold 300,000 units on its first day of sales and the iPad 2 sold 500,000 during its first weekend. It will be interesting to see how demand for the new iPad stacks up.

[via Mashable, USA Today, BGR]