Based on iLounge’s initial iPad purchases this morning, we can now confirm that the iPad arrives in its box in need of a brief unlocking via iTunes on a PC or Mac. This unlock does not appear to automatically start a sync with the copy of iTunes used to perform the task, and takes only a brief amount of time. When purchasing an iPad at an Apple retail store, customers are being offered the option of having an employee unlock the device; customers may also choose to have the employee go through an entire setup process with them before they leave the store. Notably, these early iPad units are arriving with the latest version of iPhone OS 3.2 installed, as no software update is required.
Charles Starrett was a senior editor at iLounge. He's been covering the iPod, iPhone, and iPad since their inception. He has written numerous articles and reviews, and his work has been featured in multiple publications.