Apple unveils UK iPad shipping dates

Apple will start shipping a Wi-Fi version of the iPad in March

Apple has used its UK web store to reveal the UK release information for its new iPad tablet device.

An updated information page shows that the firm is expecting to start shipping a Wi-Fi version in March, and a 3G model in late April. UK pricing has not been announced, however.

Clicking the Pricing button on the UK web site shows a list of US prices, which range from $499 for the 16GB Wi-Fi version to $629 for the comparable Wi-Fi+3G option. The latter has far higher specifications, which may explain its later release.

The iPad will come in three sizes, and will cost as much as $829 for the 64GB, Wi-Fi+3G version, and current speculation suggests that UK pricing will be higher. The firm simply says that "international pricing will be announced at a later date".

Current speculation suggests that pricing in the UK may be prohibitively high for many potential buyers, and Apple is perhaps using the time to nail down discussions with service providers over contract prices and other deals.

Apple had suggested that it would ink these deals in June, but it looks like it has moved these plans forward.