U.S. Apple Ipad Sales to Begin April 3

Apple says its much-anticipated iPad tablet will hit U.S. store shelves on April 3.

Apple had originally said the device would be released worldwide in March.

Apple Inc. said Friday the Wi-Fi models will go on sale first. iPads that can connect to Wi-Fi as well as 3G cellular networks will go on sale in late April.

Both models will be available in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the U.K. by late April.

The iPad, which features a touch screen similar to the iPhone, will cost between $499 and $829. Apple says it will include 12 new applications designed especially for the device.

Apple shares rose $3.92 to $214.63 in premarket trading.