Online preorders of the new device quickly sold out, and there is currently a wait period of several weeks for online orders. Apple made sure there was stock at its stores on launch day, though analysts have said the device's high-resolution screen is complicated to manufacture and may cause shortages for the company, which also happened after the iPad 2 launch.

But those that lined up early Friday morning were in a festive mood, cheering as they entered the store, slapping hands with Apple staff and posing for the many photographers on hand.

"It's an Apple festival!" said a girl who stood in line for hours with a banner that read "iPad Samurai".