Luan, an owner of the first iPad, along with an iPhone and MacBook Air, said Apple's products have been very useful. He wanted to buy the new iPad for its more powerful camera. "I want to make sure I can get a real iPad," he said, noting that China's gray market vendors will sometimes sell fakes.

The late launch for the new iPad in China is likely tied to a legal battle Apple recently ended with a Chinese firm over the iPad trademark in the country. Earlier this month, a Chinese court announced Apple has paid US$60 million to buy ownership of the trademark.