Recently, Apple hasn’t been that shy about announcing sales figures to the world. Apple announced that they sold 300,000 iPads on the first day of availability (combined with pre-orders). Just a few days after that announcement, Apple stated that more than 500,00 were sold. That was more than two weeks away and didn’t take into account the surprisingly large demand for the 3G model, which went on sale April 30th.

Several analysts, including Gene Munster of Piper Jaffray, are now estimating that Apple has sold more than a million iPads (most of them being shipped or sold to U.S. residents). Over the weekend, 49 of 50 stores surveyed were completely sold out of the iPad 3G. If his previous estimate stands, he will be extremely conservative for the June quarter, at just 1.3 million sales.

The pace of orders will surely increase as the Wi-Fi and iPad 3G versions become available in international locations in the May/June time frame.

Update: The announcement was made earlier today by Apple. They have already sold more than one million iPads in less than a month since launch. 12 million apps and 1.5 million eBooks have been downloaded since that date. The full PR report has been added below.

CUPERTINO, California—May 3, 2010—Apple® today announced that it sold its one millionth iPad™ on Friday, just 28 days after its introduction on April 3. iPad users have already downloaded over 12 million apps from the App Store and over 1.5 million ebooks from the new iBookstore. 

“One million iPads in 28 days—that’s less than half of the 74 days it took to achieve this milestone with iPhone,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “Demand continues to exceed supply and we’re working hard to get this magical product into the hands of even more customers.”

iPad allows users to connect with their apps and content in a more intimate, intuitive and fun way than ever before. Users can browse the web, read and send email, enjoy and share photos, watch HD videos, listen to music, play games, read ebooks and much more, all using iPad’s revolutionary Multi-Touch™ user interface. iPad is 0.5 inches thin and weighs just 1.5 pounds—thinner and lighter than any laptop or netbook—and delivers up to 10 hours of battery life.*

Developers have created over 5,000 exciting new apps for iPad that take advantage of its Multi-Touch user interface, large screen and high-quality graphics. iPad will run almost all of the more than 200,000 apps on the App Store, including apps already purchased for your iPhone® or iPod touch®. 

*Battery life depends on device settings, usage and other factors. Actual results vary.

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution with the Apple II, then reinvented the personal computer with the Macintosh. Apple continues to lead the industry with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system, and iLife, iWork and professional applications. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store, has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and has recently introduced its magical iPad which is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices.

[via AppleInsider]