iPad 3 pre-order ‘off the charts’, says Apple

The new iPad, or iPad 3, is in high demand, according to tech giant Apple.

Following reports that initial iPad 3 shipments are sold out and that new pre-orders will be at least two or three weeks delayed, Apple has said demand for the new iPad is "off the charts".

"Customer response to the new iPad has been off the charts and the quantity available for pre-order has been purchased," Apple said in a statement. 

Since the official unveiling of the iPad 3 last Wednesday, pre-orders have boomed leading to shipping delays on all models and price levels.

"Customers can continue to order online and receive an estimated delivery date," Apple said.

As of right now, new customers who pre-order the new iPad will have to wait at least two to three weeks regardless of size, model, or price level.

While the Apple site says models will be available in stores for the iPad 3's official release on Friday, there are unconfirmed reports that shipments worldwide could be delayed from three days to three weeks.  And if we've learned anything from past iPad releases, it's that the new iPad will result in extremely long waits in line at Apple stores across the country.

The new iPad, the successor to the iPad 2, was revealed last week at an Apple event where the company revealed a slew of new features including a new Retina display, voice dictation, 4G LTE, and 1080p video recording.

Prices for the new iPad begin at $499 and increase from there depending on size and model.  Check out our full iPad 3 pricing breakdown here and pre-order yours today, before further delays.