Apple Now Shipping 4G LTE iPad mini

Apple has begun shipping units of its 4G LTE-enabled iPad mini, with pre-order customers receiving confirmation emails from the company promising that the smaller slate could be on their doorstep as early as Thursday, November 15.

Soon to be owners of the tablet can watch as their device travels from China to their home states via a FedEx tracking number included in the Apple notification message. While some emails stated Nov. 15 as the estimated date of arrival, most cited Nov. 16 as the scheduled day for delivery, which is a bit earlier than the Nov. 21 date many users saw last week.

Apple began informing customers last week that their cellular-equipped mini would ship within five business days, staying true to its promise of a mid-November launch.

While the WiFi-only variant of the 7.9-inch slate hit shelves two weeks ago, the company has yet to comment on when the 4G LTE model will be available at retail locations. Though customers can still order the tablet online, with Apple's website indicating a two week shipping date, it is likely the LTE mini will start popping up in stores this Friday, following the arrival of pre-ordered devices.

A Larger Option

Yet, the iPad mini with cellular connectivity isn't the only item making an appearance this week, as the 4G LTE-equipped fourth-generation iPad has also begun shipping, with the device likely to arrive in the next day or so.

With Apple selling more than 3 million units of the Wi-Fi-only iPad mini and its larger counterpart over the launch weekend, it remains to be seen if the company can top that number with the release of its 4G cousins.

Don't miss our review of the Apple iPad mini.