The headline says it all. As of Friday the 23rd of July, Apple’s iPad (both 3G and Wifi models) will be available to consumers in nine more countries. The countries include Austria, Belgium, Hong Kong, Ireland, Luxembourg, Mexico, New Zealand and Singapore. Below is an excerpt from the press release:

CUPERTINO, California—July 19, 2010—Apple® today announced that iPad™ will be available in Austria, Belgium, Hong Kong, Ireland, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand and Singapore this Friday, July 23. iPad allows users to connect with their apps and content in a more intimate, intuitive and fun way than ever before. Users can browse the web, read and send email, enjoy and share photos, watch HD videos, listen to music, play games, read ebooks and much more, all using iPad’s revolutionary Multi-Touch™ user interface. iPad is 0.5 inches thin and weighs just 1.5 pounds—thinner and lighter than any laptop or netbook—and delivers up to 10 hours of battery life.*

Beginning this Friday, customers can purchase all models of iPad through Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers.

Pricing & Availability
All iPad models will be available in Austria, Belgium, Hong Kong, Ireland, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand and Singapore this Friday, July 23.

iPad is currently available in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland, the UK and the US for a suggested retail price of $499 (US) for 16GB, $599 (US) for 32GB, and $699 (US) for 64GB for iPad Wi-Fi models and $629 (US) for 16GB, $729 (US) for 32GB and $829 (US) for 64GB for iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G models. iPad will roll out to many more countries later this year and Apple will announce availability and local pricing for these additional countries at a later date.

As mentioned in the release, the iPad will reach many more countries later this year with local pricing and availability to be announced “at a later date.” Apple seems to have a knack for keeping the it’s fans at the edge of their seats.

[via Engadget]

Great news for all international Apple fanboys and fangirls out there:

Starting May 28th, Apple’s iPad will be available for purchase in nine more countries including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the U.K. Since the iPad’s release, sales have been restricted to the US, and sadly only two per person.  Consequently, many Europeans have been trying to buy numerous iPads and return home to sell them to friends. However, on May 28th, to many of our international friends, this will no longer be an issue.

[Image via CrunchGear.com]

There are a few factors that have caused this staged release. Either Apple did not plan on selling so many iPads or that negotiations regarding licensing and 3G wireless provision are taking longer than expected. Apple may also be delaying the release in order to drive up demand internationally.  With nine more countries scheduled for their iPad release in July (i.e. Austria, Belgium, Hong Kong, Ireland, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, and Singapore), international interest in the iPad will continue to grow. The only question remains to be, where will the iPad travel to next?

[Image via kval.com]

Will it be atop the Eiffel Tower or in a boat floating down the Rhine River? Perhaps inside one of the great pyramids or in Australia’s outback. Wherever it may be, soon the entire world will get to experience the iPad for themselves in their own native land.

[via theAppleBlog]