APPLE Inc said yesterday it would launch Wi-Fi iPad models on the Chinese mainland on Friday, five months after the tablet computer debuted in the United States in April.

Fans can buy Wi-Fi iPads, starting from 3,988 yuan (US$586) for the 16GB model, at the two Apple retail stores in Beijing and Shanghai (in Lujiazui, Pudong New Area). Other select reseller stores authorized to sell iPads include local BestBuy stores and resellers at People's Square and Wujiaochang, which are listed on Apple China's website.

Other available iPad models include 32GB for 4,788 yuan and 64GB for 5,588 yuan.

The 3G iPad models, which support both 3G and Wi-Fi and are sold in other countries, won't be released on Friday.