International Apple stores are opening at 8AM local time, which is an hour earlier than normal, to face the rush expected when the iPad unleashes the first part of its international launch on Friday. Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK are expected to see the iPad hit store shelves on May 28th.

The iBooks app was launched today to get ready for the hardware launch, but is currently limited to free titles and the iBookstore is currently still labeled U.S. only. UK buyers have an option to Apple stores as Curry's and PC World outlets are planned to get shipments of iPads as well and may have exclusive rights for the first 60 days after launch. Apple PRemuim Resellers may also be getting shipments; UK buyers may check into that as well.