Apple sets China release date for latest iPad

The latest Apple (AAPL.NASDAQ) iPad will go on sale in China on July 20, trailing many other major markets where it has already been released, Bloomberg reported. The device, which launched in the US in March, will cost between US$499 and US$829, depending on memory and wireless options, according to an Apple statement Tuesday. Apple shares were down 1% at market close in New York on Tuesday. China accounted for 20% of Apple’s total sales at the end of the second quarter and is the company’s second-largest market. With the expected release of Google and Microsoft tablet computers, Apple is hoping to stay ahead in sales. Apple is reportedly taking actions to prevent a scene similar to the product release of the iPhone 4s last year, when shoppers in Beijing egged a store and fought with employees.