UK iPad 2 launch delayed… for eight hours

The UK launch of Apple’s iPad 2 will be delayed on Friday due to an error in shipping the device to its UK stores.

Although Apple has denied rumours of a delay, insisting that the website says 25 March and that’s when it’ll be”, it would seem that any Apple fans who queue up on Friday morning might be disappointed.

According to Robert Peckham, former executive director of the Mac Technology Association reseller group, a mistake in shipments means that UK Apple Stores will not receive stock in time for the anticipated launch time on Friday morning.

As a result, the US vendor has ordered its UK resellers – including PC World – to delay selling the devices until 5pm on Friday evening.

UPDATE: Apple has now confirmed the delayed launch.

PCR has the full story.