Softbank Mobile Corp. and KDDI Corp. said they will launch sales of the iPad mini with cellular connectivity next Friday.
It will be the first time for KDDI, the provider of the au mobile communication services, to offer the iPad series, Apple Inc.'s popular line of multipurpose tablet computers.
The carriers said the new iPad 4 will also hit stores next Friday, while they have yet to decide on price plans for the iPad 4 and iPad mini.
The iPad mini with only wireless network connectivity hit the shelves Nov. 2 at Apple stores in Japan.