Apple's new iPad finally launches in China

While rumors of the next iPad have been swirling around for a while, Chinese customers are just now getting their hands on the “new” iPad. The tablet had been banned from sale in China due to a trademark lawsuit by Proview, but that case was settled earlier this month and the floodgates are now open.

Sales of the new iPad began at 8AM on Friday in Apple stores across China, although the lines were surprisingly manageable. The company had instituted a pre-sale reservation system for the iPad, where all customers were required to register in order to purchase the device from the Apple Store. The system was set in place to prevent large queues and riots as had happened with the 4S launch, while also preventing scalpers from buying large amounts and turning them for profit.

While the lines outside the Apple Stores might not be indicative of interest in the tablet, the company is expecting large profits off the Asian market. The new iPad is priced higher in China than the US, as the 16GB Wi-Fi model goes for 3688 yuan ($580) while the 4G version costs 4688 yuan ($735).

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