The 3rd Generation iPad continues to launch around the world to long lines in many locations. The iPad is launching in ten countries including the US, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland and the UK.
Paris was the most impressive line photo we received. This photo at approximately 10pm local time showed hundreds lined up at Apple's Store in Paris. (Thanks Matthew)
Houston's new Highland Village Apple Store is being unveiled overnight just in time for the iPad 3 launch. (Thanks Matthew)
The U.S. got an early launch at Wal-Mart stores which started selling at 12:01 AM local time. From the few reports we received, lines and stock were relatively small. (Thanks Lee)
Finally, despite launch day availability, there are scalpers in Hong Kong already, looking to take advantage of any short supply. (Thanks Andy)
Those who pre-ordered the new iPad early enough should start receiving them on Friday. The new iPad will also be available in Apple Retail, Wal-Mart as well as Verizon and AT&T stores.
Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by Joe Rossignol
We are still waiting for the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate to come out, so the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week or two away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April.
Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far.
iOS 26.3
iPhone to Android Transfer Tool
iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
Sunday February 1, 2026 10:08 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly nine months later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon.
In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis.
In his Powe...
Sunday February 1, 2026 12:31 pm PST by Joe Rossignol
The calendar has turned to February, and a new report indicates that Apple's next product launch is "imminent," in the form of new MacBook Pro models.
"All signs point to an imminent launch of next-generation MacBook Pros that retain the current form factor but deliver faster chips," Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said on Sunday. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated...
Sunday February 1, 2026 5:42 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple is planning to launch new MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips alongside macOS 26.3, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
"Apple's faster MacBook Pros are planned for the macOS 26.3 release cycle," wrote Gurman, in his Power On newsletter today.
"I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated for the macOS 26.3 software cycle, which runs from...
Tuesday February 3, 2026 8:55 am PST by Joe Rossignol
In 2022, Apple introduced a new Apple Home architecture that is "more reliable and efficient," and the deadline to upgrade and avoid issues is fast approaching.
In an email this week, Apple gave customers a final reminder to upgrade their Home app by February 10, 2026. Apple says users who do not upgrade may experience issues with accessories and automations, or lose access to their smart...
Got my new iPad this morning at Osaka, Japan Apple Store. I started queuing at 7AM and got to the counter to purchase at 8:50AM. Overall I'm pleased with the new iPad (upgraded from iPad 2), some noteworthy items from what I've found so far
* Voice dictation works very well overall. I spoke three full sentences and it converted to text perfectly. I think i'll use voice dictation instead of the keyboard in some instances (such as doing a quick google search)
* The new iPad feels noticeably heavier to me
* The screen is amazing when looking at it close or quite close. You can't tell the difference at arms length away. iBooks benefits from the retina disply greatly. I read a chapter of a book in full screen mode and it looks great. I'm looking foward to seeing some retina-display enabled magazines soon (WIRED especially)
* Speed of the device feels exactly the same as the iPad 2. no better and no worse.
* The back-facing camera is a LOT better. The pictures I took are a huge improvement over the iPad 2. I won't use the camera a lot - but I like having a higher quality cam for when I do want to use it.
Every time I pre-order an iProduct I swear that this time it will be different: I'm going to play it cool, just go about my business and be pleasantly surprised when it shows up. But without fail I obsess, compulsively track status, sleep badly the night before arrival, and dream of driving across town to meet the FedEx truck so I don't have to wait another 45 minutes for delivery.
When you think about it, this kind of yearly fervor for Apple products is the first time I can remember any product release being close to a cultural event such as a new, awaited movie where people stand in lines.
Oddly, though, critics are VERY harsh on anyone waiting in line for a tangible product while they say nothing about waiting in line for hours to see something that gives the purchaser nothing tangible to take home.
There were about 12 people in line at the Walmart I was at. I was number 6
I can't think of anything better that screams "I NEED A LIFE"
Its not like you can't get these delivered to the door any day for the next year.
I think the same thing about people who line up to buy music concert tickets. Have you ever done that? I'm one that pre-ordered but from what I read on these threads, waiting on these lines is an experience these people enjoy. Lighten up. Live and let live.
I can't think of anything better that screams "I NEED A LIFE"
Its not like you can't get these delivered to the door any day for the next year.
Although i would never wait on a line for any product or anything that is not a high priority for me, i disagre with people who have the tendency to judge other people for what thy do with their time or their money. I don't see how that concerns you or anyone else!!
I work pretty close to the Apple store in Manchester UK and when i started work this morning there was a long line, but no where as long as when the iPhone 4S was launched. So i decided to give them a call after 10 to see if there was still people on the Q and they told me the Q has just ended so i toke 5 minutes off and went to get one. They still had the 64GB white wi-fi only version, just what i wanted.
Had only done the initial set up so no much of opinion right now, though i have to say that screen is gorgeous. It didn't feel bigger or much havier then iPad 2 to me. I do lots of photography and use big photo files from my SLR camera, am sure i will enjoy it.
