Apple: 3G iPad coming to US on 30 April

iPad - 3G version coming soon
iPad - 3G version coming soon

After telling US customers that the 3G-enabled iPad would be available 'no later' than 7 May, Apple has now revealed that it will be available on 30 April.

With the Wi-Fi version selling like hotcakes, there are still many holding out for a 3G iPad and those that have pre-ordered will get them on 30 April, with Apple stores starting to sell stock later that day.

"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." confirmed Apple.

Nine hours of 3G surfing

"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."

The US prices have been widely bandied around, but just in case you missed them, the 3G 16GB model will be priced at $629, 3G 32GB at $729 and $829 for a 64GB 3G version. That's £408, £473 and £539 as a direct comparison – but, of course, it won't be as simple as that when UK prices are announced.

The UK release date for the iPad is still given as 'by the end of May'.

Patrick Goss

Patrick Goss is the ex-Editor in Chief of TechRadar. Patrick was a passionate and experienced journalist, and he has been lucky enough to work on some of the finest online properties on the planet, building audiences everywhere and establishing himself at the forefront of digital content.  After a long stint as the boss at TechRadar, Patrick has now moved on to a role with Apple, where he is the Managing Editor for the App Store in the UK.