Along with the iPad Mini, the new iMac and the Mac Mini, Apple on Tuesday also introduced a new iPad that is an update to the third-generation device that went on sale in March. The iPad 4 features the same 9.7-inch Retina display as its predecessor the iPad 3 but includes the Apple-designed A6X chip.
Apple says the new A6X chip delivers twice the CPU performance and up to twice the graphics performance of the A5X chip. Other new features in the iPad 4 include a faster wireless Wi-Fi connectivity and a FaceTime HD camera.
The iPad 4 will also sport the new Lightning connector that Apple unveiled with the new iPhone 5 last month. Apple says the new connector helps the company keep up with modern times, but it also requires consumers to buy new accessories or an adapter. The Lightning connector is smaller than Apple's older 30-pin connector. Apple says the existing iPad Smart Covers and the iPad Smart Case are compatible with the fourth generation iPad.
The iPad 4 is an update to the third-generation device that went on sale in March.
The prices for the iPad 4 remain the same, starting at $499 the 16GB model. Other price points for the iPad 4 are: $599 for the 32GB model and $699 for the 64GB model. The fourth generation iPad with Wi-Fi + Cellular will be offered for $629 for the 16GB model, $729 for the 32GB model and $829 for the 64GB model.
Apple's iPad 4 with Wi-Fi models will be available from Friday, November 2, in black or white. The fourth generation iPad with Wi-Fi + Cellular will start shipping a couple of weeks after the Wi-Fi models. Apple has not yet said anything on the iPad 4's availability in Australia but iPad 4 cases and iPad 4 covers will be available at CaseBuddy.