Prices for the iPad, a touchscreen tablet computer unveiled by Apple on Wednesday, will start at $US499 ($A555) and the new device will start shipping worldwide in 60 days, the company said.

The "iPad will be available in late March worldwide for a suggested retail price of 499 dollars (US) for the 16GB (gigabyte) model, 599 dollars for the 32GB model, 699 dollars for the 64GB model," an Apple statement said.

"The Wi-Fi + 3G models of iPad will be available in April in the US and selected countries for a suggested retail price of 629 dollars for the 16GB model, 729 dollars for the 32GB model and 829 dollars for the 64GB model."