International iPad App Stores open early
updated 09:45 am EDT, Thu May 20, 2010
Stores limited to partial functionality
Ahead of a May 28th hardware launch, Apple has opened up international access to the iPad App Store. While foreign owners of American iPads have been able to get apps for some time, this has only so far been allowed via iTunes, not an iPad's own store browser. Using an iPad in theory offers the advantage of browsing only iPad-compatible apps, and operating independently of a desktop or notebook.
Storefronts are said to be only partially functional however, for example lacking Apple's official apps, iBooks and the iWork suite. It is possible to install iBooks via a US iTunes login, since the app is free, but actually browsing a local iBookstore should reveal nothing to buy. This limits people to third-party ePub files. It may also be necessary to search out iPad apps in regions like the UK, even though Italians are reportedly able to browse categories properly.
