Apple’s new iPad will be available for sale at Apple Retail Stores this Friday starting at 8:00 a.m. local time, according to retail signage obtained by 9to5Mac. As is typical of product launches, Apple Retail staff will be holding scheduled “overnights” on Thursday to change out floor models and banners.
Image courtesy of 9to5Mac.
While the majority of new iPad owners will obtain their device directly from Apple, both AT&T and Verizon issued press releases Tuesday to remind consumers that they, too, will have all models of WiFi + 4G iPads available for sale Friday. RadioShack announced last week that it also plans a Friday launch of iPad sales.
The 8:00 a.m. launch time was previously suggested by the grand opening of the newest Apple Retail store at Highland Village in Houston, TX. It was clear from the timing of the store’s opening that Apple wanted to have the location ready to go for the iPad launch.
Now that online preorders around the world are sold out, traffic should be high Friday at all locations selling iPads as consumers too late to preorder attempt to get their hands on the product day one. Of course, there will also be the usual group of customers who enjoy waiting in line and mingling with other Apple fans.