Issues with lack of supply of its popular Apple iPad tablet PC have caused Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL) to announce it is delaying the product’s international launch by one month. That means Canadians, unless they want to head to the U.S., will need to wait until the end of May to get their hands on an iPad.
Sales of the iPad since its U.S. launch last week have been swift, with Apple claiming to have moved 500,000 units in its first week of sales. Apple said in a statement that it underestimated demand, and expects to exceed its supply over the next few weeks as it meets store demand and fulfills pre-orders for iPad 3G models for delivery by the end of April.
Due to the strong U.S. demand, Apple said it has to delay the iPad’s international lunch. It will announce international pricing and begin taking online pre-orders on Monday, May 10.
“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 U.S. thus far,” said Apple, in a statement.