In a new record for Apple, the technology giant has sold a whopping three million of its new iPads within just three days of launching the latest version of its blockbuster tablet computer.

The California-based company launched the third version of the iPad on Friday with new features including an improved display, better camera, faster processor and support for AT&T’s and Verizon’s fourth-generation LTE cellular networks.

Apple announced yesterday that it has sold three million new iPads the same day that the company said it will put its nearly $100 billion cash reserves to use by beginning to pay a quarterly $2.65 dividend and through a 10 billion dollar share buy-back programme.

During the conference call with investors to discuss Apple’s plans for its cash stockpile, Apple’s Chief Executive Officer Mr Tim Cook said the company had a “record weekend” for its latest iPad but had not given the exact sales figures.

Apple’s Senior Vice-President of Worldwide Marketing, Mr Philip Schiller, disclosed the figures later in a statement.

“The new iPad is a blockbuster with three million sold, the strongest iPad launch yet,” Mr Schiller said.

Mr Cook said Apple has sold 55 million iPads since the trend setting tablet computer was first launched in 2010.

The first iPad took 28 days to hit one million sales, Apple said.