Demand for new iPad outpacing pre-order supply

Apple's latest iPad, due to be released worldwide on March 16, does not have the supply to match the overwhelming demand, and people pre-ordering the device now are finding delays of up to three weeks to wait for shipping. Apple unveiled its new iPad last week, with the new model boasting a new high-resolution, 9.7-inch 2048 x 1536 Retina display, as well as other features benefitting games on the platform. Pre-orders for the device opened up immediately after the unveiling, with consumers able to put money down for the new iPad before its release later this month. However, a spokesperson for Apple told Gamasutra today that it has not been able to keep up with the demand for the device. "Due to all of the excitement and demand for the new iPad we are currently dispatching right from our warehouse within 2-3 weeks," said the company. This only applies to those people who pre-order the device now -- the company has told the Herald Sun newspaper that all existing pre-orders made before the supply ran out will arrive on March 16 as originally planned. There will also still be stock of the new iPad available to purchase directly from Apple stores on March 16.