Apple has confirmed the launch of the new iPad and that it will be launching in the UK on 16 March. 

The new iPad Wi-Fi models will be available in black or white with prices starting from £399 inc VAT (£332.50 ex VAT) for the 16GB model, £479 inc VAT (£399.17 ex VAT) for the 32GB model and £559 inc VAT (£465.83 ex VAT) for the 64GB model.

iPad Wi-Fi + 4G will be available for a suggested retail price of £499 inc VAT (£415.83 ex VAT) for the 16GB model, £579 inc VAT (£482.50 ex VAT) for the 32GB model and £659 inc VAT (£549.17 ex VAT) for the 64GB model.

iPad will be sold in the UK through the Apple Store (www.apple.com/uk), Apple’s retail stores, and select Apple Authorised Resellers.

iPad will also be available in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Puerto Rico, Singapore, Switzerland and the US Virgin Islands on Friday, March 16. 

Customers can begin pre-ordering their new iPad today.

In a move that is likely to confuse, the current iPad, the iPad 2 is getting a price drop. It now costs £329 inc VAT (£274.17 ex VAT) for the 16GB Wi-Fi model and just £429 inc VAT (£357.50 ex VAT) for the 16GB Wi-Fi + 3G model. There will not be 32GB or 64GB versions.

The new iPad: Everything you need to know