Nexus 7 LTE Sales Halted on Google Play (Updated)

Google’s Nexus 7 LTE, which went on sale just a few days ago, has mysteriously vanished from the Google Play Store with Google indicating that the device is not on sale at this time, leaving buyers unable to purchase the LTE-enabled version of the new Nexus 7 in the U.S.

A week ago, Google finally put the Nexus 7 LTE on sale through the Google Play Store. The device, which had been confirmed at the company’s July Nexus 7  launch event, allows users to connect to AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon making it an enticing option for those in the market for a new 7-inch slate, particularly one that runs Android.

The device, which costs $350 unlocked and comes in 32GB form, has been widely available through Google Play, that is, until today when the device mysteriously went out of stock.

Read: Why You Shouldn’t Buy the iPad mini Right Now.

Right now, the Google Play Store states that the Nexus 7 LTE is simply “not for sale at this time” with no further explanation. Google’s signage doesn’t give anything away which means that it’s unclear, at least at the moment, as to why the Nexus 7 LTE is unavailable.

It could be that stock is sold out or it could be a problem with the Google Play Store. It’s just not clear at this point though we are leaning towards a possible sell out given that the Google Play Store has been rock solid with shipping times and availability as of late.

Google plans a massive Nexus 7 LTE push this month with the United Kingdom and Japan joining the United States with availability ahead of the iPad mini 2 launch date. Apple is rumored to be delivering an iPad mini 2, a device that should come with Retina Display and 4G LTE, in October.

The company is also likely going to face a challenge from the Kindle Fire HD 2 from Amazon, a device that is expected to touch down at some point soon ahead of the holiday shopping season.

We’ve reached out to Google for clarification but the company hasn’t responded. It’s entirely possible that we could see Nexus 7 LTE stock return in the short term, rather than the long term.

Update: It’s back in stock.