Nikkei reports that the iPad 2 will finally debut in Japan on Thursday, April 28th. The launch comes a month later than originally planned due to the earthquake and tsunami that devastated significant parts of the country. The news comes by way of CNNGo:
That veritable font of all knowledge, the Nikkei Shimbun newspaper, says the shiny lust-bauble will hit Japanese stores in stealth mode, more than a month after the scheduled March 25 launch-date.
Beyond the original announcement of delay, Apple has not officially announced the ship date for the iPad 2 in Japan.
This week should be a busy week for Apple as they are believed to be launching the white iPhone 4 to multiple countries on Wednesday.
Update: The White iPhone 4 is apparently also making its way to Japan on the same date, April 28th. A reader sent in this picture taken at a Softbank store, which lists the 4/28 date as the start of sales:
Sunday November 1, 2026 7:27 am PST by Joe Rossignol
After announcing a new iPad mini with an OLED display earlier this month, Apple plans to release new iPad Air, iPad Pro, and entry-level iPad models in the first half of 2027, according to the latest word from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
In his Power On newsletter today, Gurman said the next iPad Air will also feature an OLED display, while he expects the next iPad Pro to be equipped with a...
Apple today updated its U.S. trade-in estimates, raising maximum values across the iPad lineup and for most Macs following today's announcement of the new iPad mini.
Every iPad category has gained value, although the increases are relatively modest. The iPad mini and standard iPad both rise by $20, while the iPad Air gains $15 and the iPad Pro increases by $10. The revised maximum estimates...
The iPad is set to gain significantly narrower borders around its display, according to the leaker known as "Instant Digital" on Weibo. The post gives no model or timeline; it could refer to the entry-level iPad or to Apple's tablet lineup in general.
Refreshes of the entry-level iPad, iPad mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro are in the pipeline. The next iPad mini is already rumored to gain OLED and ...
YES! So excited. Been waiting for this for a long, long time. I will be queuing outside the Apple Store, Shinsaibashi, Osaka tomorrow for a black 32GB. woohoo!
It's about time.Maybe you are in another Japan from the one I live in that had the major earthquake/tsunami/mutliple nuclear meltdowns that meant everyones attention was somewhat distracted....
After the delay this seems a bit sudden, but I'm more than happy to have some good news for a change.
Well maybe Apple is just being sensitive. Considering some people are still without basic food and shelter they thought "hey let's not throw a $500 electronic device at them with our usual fanfare. Let's just quietly release it and see what happens".
