Empty box delivered to me today?

First, you are not talking directly to Apple here. We are just fellow Apple-product users. Apple representatives, may or may not respond to posts.

You need to work this with UPS. Let them know so that they can confirm and rectify the "stolen" item. You can also try getting some assistance from Apple, but don't count on Apple shipping you another iPad without you working this through UPS first.

Again, you are not talking directly to Apple here. Whether or not, you want to continue to trust that Apple actually puts an iPad in the box prior to shipping it would have to go back to the source. Most if not all Apple devices are manufactured in China, and then, shipped to their destinations from there. Regardless of where it is sourced, any leg of the journey could potentially be suspect for mistakes or theft. The reason I'm recommending that you contact UPS is that they are the shipper in this case, and are responsible for delivery of the package between the manufacturing site and your location. They don't check the contents of that package.

I fully understand both your concerns and disappointment around this, but there is nothing anyone here can do to help you. Good luck! I hope you get it resolved.

This is a user forum, we cannot help. To Contact Apple directly, please click on Contact Support at upper right corner of any forum page.

Try ups.com & for Apple: My Support - Apple Support