iPad Air goes on sale (pictures)
From Beijing to Manhattan, shoppers assemble in the obligatory early morning lines to get their hands on Apple's latest tablet.
Sydney shoppers
Friday, November 1, marks the first day that consumers can get their hands on Apple's iPad Air. In keeping with tradition on launch days for new iPads and iPhones, consumers lined up early to be on hand when Apple Store doors opened. Here you see the start of the line at the Apple Store in Sydney.
iPads on display
The iPad Air is Apple's fifth version of its market-defining tablet, the first of which was released more than three years ago. Has the excitement faded over time? At Apple's store in Sydney, the line -- several hundred strong -- was significantly shorter than it was for the new iPhones that arrived a few weeks ago. Apple typically puts up barriers for crowd control at that store, but not this time around.
Apple Store Sanlitun
A continent away at Apple's Sanlitun store in Beijing, all was peaceful for the arrival of the iPad Air. The new tablet is going on sale in 42 countries on day one, the most widespread launch yet for one of Apple's tablets.
Preorders required
At Apple's Sanlitun store in China, a sign tells potential buyers of the iPad Air that they need to preorder online.
Crowding the tables
Shoppers crowd around the tables at Apple's Sanlitun store on the arrival of the iPad Air.
Getting ready
At Apple's store on the Upper West Side in New York, employees get ready ahead of the 8 a.m. opening time.
Dreary weather
Dreary weather greeted expectant shoppers outside Apple's Upper West Side store.
First, you wait
Another look at the encampment outside Apple's Upper West Side store on iPad Air day.
On the move
Once the doors to the Upper West Side store opened, the line moved briskly.
iPad Air tabletops
Across town at the Apple Store inside New York's Grand Central Terminal, early morning shoppers go hands-on with the iPad Air.
iPad Air supply
Inventory of the iPad Air at the Grand Central Terminal store seemed plentiful.
iPad in hand
At the Grand Central store, an early riser comes to grips with the iPad Air.
Apple's hometown store in Palo Alto, Calif.
The Palo Alto, Calif., Apple Store is one of the closest to Apple's headquarters in Cupertino.
Quieting down
Despite the lines, the store quieted down shortly after sales kicked off.
Manhandling
Shoppers toy with the new iPads on the device's first day on sale.
More Galleries
My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?