NEW YORK - Apple shares briefly topped US$600 (S$758) in early trading on Wall Street on Thursday, a day ahead of the launch of the next-generation iPad.

Shares of the Cupertino, California-based gadget-maker hit $600.01 shortly after the ringing of the opening bell at 9.30am (9.30pm local time). Ten minutes later they were trading at $597.00, up 1.26 percent on Wednesday's close.

Apple shares have gained 57 percent in the past three months.

Apple's new iPad goes on sale on Friday in the United States and nine other countries including Australia and France.

A week later the new iPads will be available in nearly 30 more countries.