Apple delays iPad's global launch

The launch of the iPad tablet outside the U.S. will be delayed one month until the end of May, Apple Inc. announced Wednesday.

Applesaid strong demand in the U.S. for the touch-screen device is behind postponement of the international launch.

"We know that many international customers waiting to buy an iPad will be disappointed by this news, but we hope they will be pleased to learn the reason the iPad is a runaway success in the U.S. thus far," said a statement from Apple.

The company will announce iPad's international pricing May 10 and start taking preorders the same day.

The delay will not affect the delivery of the 3G version of the iPad in the U.S., scheduled for the end of April. The iPad 3G will be able to connect to cellular data networks.

Rogers Communications announced Wednesdaythe iPad will run on its network and that the company will offer iPad price plans for all models when it launches in Canada.

Apple has sold more than 500,000 iPads in the U.S. since its launch in early April. The iPad now on sale, at prices starting at $499 US, connects to the internet wirelessly through Wi-Fi.

The 3G version will start at $629 for the 16-gigabyte version up to $829 for one with 64 gigabytes of storage. Apple said it has taken "a large number of preorders for iPad 3G models."

This is the second time Apple has delayed the international launch of the device. In January, it said the iPad would be sold worldwide in late March.