iPad Going International, New iPhones Coming

May 28 will be the launch date for the iPad in several countries, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK. Apple has already begun taking pre-orders in those countries. The actual arrival date for pre-orders through the mail is in question, as many in the UK have seen their shipping dates slip into June.
Prices for the iPad outside of the U.S. are slightly higher, leading to criticism by some. Steve Jobs himself has fired back, saying that the higher prices are due to taxes in other countries, though some of the prices are higher even accounting for taxes.
Back in the U.S., the iPad reportedly will be coming to Wal-Mart stores later this year. Apple has also started a new ad campaign for the iPad, claiming the iPad as revolutionary. Interestingly, the ad is remarkably similar to an ad campaign for the Newton in the 90s.
Signs are pointing to a late June release of the next version of the iPhone. These signs include reports of vacation bans for AT&T employees at that time, a second appearance of a new iPhone model prototype found in Vietnam, and changes in the date AT&T will allow subsidized upgrades of iPhones.
The Apple Worldwide Developer Conference will be held earlier in June, and it would make sense that Apple announces the new iPhone model there. The conference, which used to center on the Mac, is now more about the iPhone and iPad. The WWDC is more populae than ever, selling out in only 8 days this year.

Comments: One Response to “iPad Going International, New iPhones Coming”

    Adrian
    15 years ago

    The ipad is to be $649 AUD in Oz. Even allowing for dollar disparity with the US, and with taxes (law says all prices here must include taxes), the price should be under $600. I'd say most outside US countries understand that they are paying the "apple tax". We pay more so the US can have their subsidised price. Call it a charitable donation without being tax deductable. Either way, software companies do the same thing - (dont they Corel).

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