The new iPad

iPad 3: Everything you need to know

Everything you need to know about Apple's 2012, third generation, new iPad, including Retina display, A5X chipset, and 4G LTE connectivity

Apple's third generation, 2012 iPad, called simple the New iPad was announced on March 7, 2012. It looks virtually identical to the 2011 iPad 2, but its technology is far more advanced. It has a 2048x1536 double density Retina display, a faster Apple A5X chipset with dual-core CPU and quad-core GPU. Likewise, 4G LTE radios are available in the U.S for AT&T and Verizon, and in Canada for Rogers, Bell, and Telus. Battery life remains an astounding 10hrs on Wi-Fi and an equally amazing 9hrs on LTE. The front camera remains a disappointing VGA quality, but the rear camera has bee significantly upgraded to 5 megapixels. While there was no Siri, Apple's artificially intelligent, voice controlled assistant, the new iPad did get Dictation for voice-to-text.

The new iPad will be available on March 16 in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Puerto Rico, Singapore, Switzerland, UK and the US Virgin Islands.

Pricing remains the same as previous generation iPads, with 16/32/64GB models in Wi-Fi for $499, $599, and $699 and 3G/4G LTE models for $629, $729, and $829.

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More coverage

Belkin officially launches its Ultimate Keyboard Case for iPad, thinnest keyboard case available

By chrisoldroyd, Thursday, Mar 28, 2013 a 2:51 am

Belkin has officially announced the availability of is Ultimate Keyboard Case for iPad. What’s so special about this case? Well Belkin claims that it is the thinnest keyboard case available for the iPad coming in at just 6.4mm. It has been manufactured from a revolutionary aluminium alloy and magnets and weighs in at just 17 ounces.

Best Buy selling iPad 3 for $50 off, with $75 gift card, today only

By Rene Ritchie, Wednesday, Nov 21, 2012 a 9:50 am

If you don't care about a Lightning connector, an A6X processor, or a FaceTime HD camera, and you want a full-sized, full-on Retina display iPad, Best Buy has a deal for you. Today only, you can grab the last generation iPad 3 (introduced March, 2012) and not only save $50 off the original retail pricing, but get a $75 gift card thrown in for good measure.

If this deal is just what you've been waiting for, act fast.

Swell Apple Store manager extends return period for remorseful iPad third-gen buyers

By Simon Sage, Tuesday, Oct 23, 2012 a 5:00 pm

One San Francisco Apple store has extended the return period from 14 days to 30 days for those that are kicking themselves for buying a third-generation iPad so close to Apple's announcement of the iPad 4.

iPad 3 mark II pricing reportedly leaked, same configurations as before

By Rene Ritchie, Friday, Oct 19, 2012 a 10:06 pm

Way back in August iMore learned that Apple was planning to update the existing iPad 3 with what's now known as the Lightning connector, as well as some internal improvements, and re-release it alongside the iPad mini this fall. Well, it's fall now, the iPad event has been set for October 23 and lo and behold, new iPad 3 SKUs are reportedly starting to appear.

Apple to release as many as 24 new iPad/iPad mini models next week

By Joseph Keller, Tuesday, Oct 16, 2012 a 1:46 pm

According to a leaked product list, Apple may launch as many as 24 iPad models, including the new iPad mini at their just-announced October 23 event next week. If accurate, that would likely include storage, color, and radio variants, which is fairly typical for any new Apple product. 9to5Mac scored the list:

iPad mini rumored to be wi-fi only, iPad 3 mark II rumored to be international LTE friendly

By Joseph Keller, Tuesday, Oct 9, 2012 a 6:23 pm

The iPad mini may debut as a Wi-Fi only device, and the iPad 3 revision iMore revealed back in August may be compatible with International LTE frequencies, just like the iPhone 5.

iMore show 305: New new iPad and polka dubstep

By Rene Ritchie, Thursday, Aug 9, 2012 a 5:19 pm

Rene and Georgia are joined by Marc Edwards of Bjango to talk September 12 event rumors, a new new iPad, 16:9 repercussions, Apple ditching YouTube, and console quality graphics. This is the iMore show!

Subscribe via iTunes: Audio | Video
Subscribe via RSS: Audio | Video
Download directly: Audio | Video

Apple releases new "All on iPad" commercial

By Rene Ritchie, Tuesday, Aug 7, 2012 a 10:32 pm

Apple has launched another new iPad commercial, this one called "All on iPad" and once again focusing on the many things you can do with the many different apps available for iPad. The ad copy says:

Apple to roll new Dock connector out across entire iOS product lineup this fall

By Rene Ritchie, Monday, Aug 6, 2012 a 12:46 pm

iMore has learned that Apple intends to update their entire lineup of iOS device products to support the new, miniaturized Dock connector, and to do it as early the rumored September 12 special event this fall. This would include the new iPhone 5, the the new iPod nano and iPod touch, the rumored 7-inch iPad mini, and an updated version of the current 9.7-inch iPad.

New iPad to hit China on Friday, July 20

By Rene Ritchie, Tuesday, Jul 10, 2012 a 10:59 am

Apple announced today that the new iPad will launch in China this month -- more precisely on Friday, July 20, 2012. While manufactured in China, it's taken Apple four months longer to get their third generation tablet into the Chinese market.

Despite the hurdles, China remains one of Apple's largest, and still fastest growing markets. Increasingly, Apple is recording substantial portions of their revenue beyond U.S. borders.

Full press release below.