Apple iPads arrive in UK a day early

The iPad is due to launch in the UK on 28 May

UK Apple fans are reporting that they are already receiving their iPads, a day ahead of the official release date.

The tablet is due to launch in the UK on Friday, with Apple stores opening at 8am to start selling the devices. However, the Twittersphere was alight Thursday morning with happy customers boasting that they have already received their iPads.

"My Ipad has just arrived!! Will bring it to Cambridge to make you all jealous!!", tweeted Hilary Sutcliffe, director of technology think-tank Matter.

"My iPad arrived! A day early. Just as I was leaving the house. I'm a happy boy again :-)", wrote another Twitter user, Craig Le Grice.

Others were disappointed not to be around for the grand delivery. "Ipad has arrived in the UK. I am on a train to Jerez in Spain to go sherry tasting. C'est la vie," wrote Jake Stride. Not a bad life though, is it Jake?

Apple recently pushed back the UK shipping date to 7 June for online pre-orders, but assured customers that orders made before the date change in mid-May would still arrive on time.

"The iPad launch date is still May 28. Pre-orders for the iPad placed on the Apple Online Store before the shipping date moved back to June 7, will still be delivered for May 28," the firm said at the time.