Apple continues its rollout of the new iPad in nine additional countries today, making the sought-after tablet available in 57 markets worldwide. This is now the fourth phase of rollouts since the device made its debut on March 16, but one of Apple’s key territories is still without it.
That, of course, is China. Apple considers China to be a significant market for its goods, and the company’s growth there has been rapid in recent years. But Chinese iPad users are still waiting to get their hands on the latest device.
Some believe the delay is due to Apple’s ongoing patent battle with a company called Proview over the “iPad” trademark, while The Next Web notes that Apple is yet to get authorization for 3G-equipped device from China’s telecommunications regulators.
Those in Colombia, Estonia, India, Israel, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, South Africa and Thailand can get their hands on the new iPad today, either from an Apple retail store, an authorized reseller, or from the Apple online store.
