Apple has just announced via its App Store Facebook page that PopCap’s much-anticipated Plants vs. Zombies 2 app for iOS will be released on Thursday, August 15.

"It's about time," reads the announcement above a photo of a PvZ-style zombie hand reaching out of the dirt. "Guess what game is coming tomorrow?"

While Plants vs. Zombies 2 was originally meant to launch on July 18, PopCap opted to delay the game to implement further tweaks to its in-app purchase pricing. The game soft launched in Australia and New Zealand on July 9 for testing purposes.

Plants vs. Zombies 2 will feature the same lane defense gameplay that made the original game a hit, but it also includes time travel to all new locations. Unlike the first game, PvZ 2 will be available as a freemium title. PopCap has stated that players will be able to access “the vast majority of the game” without paying money.

The announcement does not specify the time that the game will be made available, but Thursday releases can often be downloaded on Wednesday night, at 11 p.m ET.

Update: Plants vs. Zombies 2 can now be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]