Apple confirms 25 March UK launch for iPad 2

Apple has confirmed that the iPad 2 will go on sale in 25 countries including the UK on 25 March, at a launch price £30 cheaper than the original.

The starting price of the 16GB Wi-Fi iPad 2 is £399 compared to £429 for the equivalent original. Customers will be able to get a mid-range 32GB model for £479, and a 64GB model for £559.

Prices for the Wi-Fi + 3G models start at £499 for the 16GB model, rising to £579 for the 32GB version. Those wanting the top-end 64GB version will have to hand over £659.

The tablet will be available in Apple stores and selected resellers at 5pm, and online through the Apple Store starting at 1am GMT.

The iPad 2 will not be up for pre-order in the UK this year, an Apple spokesperson told V3.co.uk.

"While competitors are still struggling to catch up with our first iPad, we've changed the game again with iPad 2," said Apple chief executive Steve Jobs.

"We're experiencing amazing demand for iPad 2 in the US, and customers around the world have told us they can't wait to get their hands on it. We appreciate everyone's patience and we are working hard to build enough iPads for everyone."

The iPad 2 went on sale in the US on 11 March, and analysts estimated that Apple sold over 500,000 units in the opening weekend.

A teardown analysis by IHS iSuppli found that Apple is making a $400 profit on every 3G tablet sold.

V3.co.uk has a full review and a video demonstration of the iPad 2.

We will be reporting live from the Regent Street store in London on Friday.