Apple's iPad 2 to hit 25 new markets this week

The iPad 2 with a Smart Cover is shown in use in the demonstration area after the iPad 2 launch during an Apple event in San Francisco, California March 2, 2011.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Apple Inc said it would roll out its newest iPad to 25 more markets this week, including France and the United Kingdom, but did not provide any hard figures for sales so far in the United States.

Thousands of eager customers lined up for the iPad 2 when it went on sale March 11 in the United States at Apple stores, AT&T and Verizon Wireless outlets, as well as Target, Wal-Mart and Best Buy stores.

While Apple has yet to release its highly-anticipated sales figures, Chief Executive Steve Jobs made clear in a statement on Tuesday that the thinner, faster iPad has been heavily in demand.

"We're experiencing amazing demand for iPad 2 in the US, and customers around the world have told us they can't wait to get their hands on it," he said. "We appreciate everyone's patience and we are working hard to build enough iPads for everyone."

The first iPad -- which went on sale a year ago -- sold 300,000 units on the first day, 500,000 in the first week, and crossed the 1 million unit mark in 28 days.

Apple plans to roll out the new iPad on Friday to countries including Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, and Spain.

It also said that all models of iPad 2 will be available in Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore and additional countries in April.

(Reporting by Paul Thomasch; Editing by Derek Caney)