Initial orders of the LTE-enabled iPad mini are set to ship next week, with Apple notifying customers by email that their orders will ship in “the next five business days,” according to AppleInsider. This information correlates with previous customer reports that cellular iPad mini orders are scheduled for delivery the week of November 19.
The iPad mini, unveiled in late October, launched in Wi-Fi-only configurations on November 2, with Apple promising the launch of cellular-capable models by “mid November.”
A launch week of November 19 may prove problematic for some customers, as Thursday, November 22 is the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States. This will halt shipments and deliveries that day and may prevent some customers from receiving their devices if they plan to travel during the second half of the week.
One customer who spoke with MacRumors on Thursday was reportedly able to upgrade his shipping from “standard” to “next day,” ensuring that his iPad mini will arrive before he departs for the holiday. Customers in similar situations may also wish to contact Apple soon.
Customers waiting for information on their iPad mini orders can check their order status at the “Your Account” section of Apple’s online store.
Apple sold out of its initial order of iPad minis, announcing earlier this week that the company sold three million total iPads (including the iPad mini, iPad 2, and fourth-generation iPad) during the iPad mini launch weekend. Apple estimates that new orders for iPad minis will ship in two weeks. The fourth-generation Wi-Fi iPad is in stock with the cellular-enabled models scheduled to ship in seven business days.