Apple today confirmed that the iPad will go on pre-sale on March 12. Earlier rumors suggested Apple would enable pre-ordering on March 26, giving it a mere few days before the devices actually appeared in retail stores. This means consumers can now start ordering the highly anticipated device as early as next week.

More importantly, due to supply reasons, we believe Apple may be trying to get an idea of how many consumers will stop by to purchase one when it officially goes on sale.

Apple confirmed the news in a press release.