Apple has finally set a Mainland release date for its much-anticipated iPad 3. July 20th is the big day, when the iPad will go on sale in Apple's second-biggest market behind the U.S.

The day has almost come for Apple afficionados in China. Those who have chosen to wait patiently, that is. Apple has finally set a Mainland release date for its much-anticipated iPad 3. July 20th is the big day, when the iPad will go on sale in Apple's second-biggest market behind the U.S.

The company has been slow to release the new iPad in China - it was launched in the U.S. almost four months ago. Apple didn't offer a reason for the delayed launch date, which comes amid a bitter lawsuit between the company and Proview International over the trademark of Apple's iconic tablet. A Chinese court said last week that Apple will pay 60 million U.S. dollars to settle the dispute. Apple has said prices for the third-generation iPad in China will range from 499 to 829 U.S. dollars, depending on memory capacity.