Apple: iPad coming to new countries this week

Apple's popular new iPad is heading to South Korea and 11 other countries on Friday.

Apple said its new iPad will also become available in Brunei, Croatia, Cyprus, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Malaysia, Panama, St. Maarten, Uruguay and Venezuela this week. 

Later this month, residents of Colombia, Estonia, India, Israel, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, South Africa and Thailand will also be able to pickup new iPads in their home countries. 

Apple said the new iPads will be available around the world in black or white at a suggested retail price equal to $499 for the 16 GB base model.

But prices could be higher in India. Times of India said prices for the new iPad are set to start at 30,500 rupees, the equivalent of about $591. 

New iPad sales have been booming since the device came out in March. And it isn't only Americans who have been mesmerized by its improved Retina display and camera. Sales also have been strong in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Germany and Hong Kong, ABC reported. 

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