CNN is reporting that Apple will delay the international launch of its overhyped iPad tablet until the of May.

The fruity toymaker was supposed to start shipping the iPad in select European markets and Oceania in late April, but it claims it was forced to make the difficult decision to delay the launch by a month due to strong demand in the US.

Apple has already shipped more than 500,000 iPads since April 3, but it appears Americans also made a huge number of pre-orders for 3G models. The company claims that the demand was much stronger than anticipated and that it simply can't afford to launch the iPad overseas.

Apple will start taking pre-orders for the iPad overseas on May 10th.