Photo: Raimond Spekking / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons · source
iPad (4th generation)
A surprise refresh that doubled the speed and introduced Lightning.
Overview
The fourth-generation iPad looked almost identical to its predecessor, which is why its October 2012 debut caught early adopters off guard. Underneath, the A6X chip roughly doubled CPU and graphics performance, and Apple's first custom-designed processor cores in an iPad made apps and games noticeably snappier.
It also introduced the compact reversible Lightning connector, replacing the 30-pin dock port that had been used since the original iPod. The front camera moved up to a 1.2-megapixel FaceTime HD sensor, and cellular models received wider LTE band support so they could roam on more carriers.
A 128 GB option arrived in early 2013, and in March 2014 the 16 GB model came back as a lower-priced iPad with Retina display before being retired later that year.
Why it mattered
Introduced Lightning to the iPad line and proved Apple was now designing its own CPU cores for tablets.
At a glance
- Announced
- October 23, 2012
- Released
- November 2, 2012
- Discontinued
- October 16, 2014
- Launch price
- $499
- Chip
- Apple A6X, 1.4 GHz dual-core
- Display
- 9.7"
- Storage
- 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB
- Status
- Vintage
Highlights
- A6X chip with custom Apple CPU cores
- Lightning connector replaces the 30-pin dock port
- 1.2 MP FaceTime HD front camera
- 128 GB option added in 2013
Tech specs
Specifications as published at launch. Some values (like battery life) are manufacturer estimates.
Display
- Size
- 9.7-inch
- Type
- Retina LED-backlit IPS multi-touch
- Resolution
- 2048 x 1536 (264 ppi)
- Refresh rate
- 60 Hz
Chip
- Chip
- Apple A6X, 1.4 GHz dual-core (Swift)
- Graphics
- Quad-core PowerVR SGX554MP4
Memory
- RAM
- 1 GB
- Storage options
- 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB
Camera
- Rear camera
- 5 MP iSight, 1080p video at 30 fps
- Front camera
- 1.2 MP FaceTime HD, 720p video
Battery
- Battery life
- Up to 10 hours (9 hours on cellular data)
- Capacity
- About 42.5 Wh
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi
- 802.11a/b/g/n, dual-band
- Cellular
- Optional 4G LTE model with extra carrier bands
- Connector
- Lightning
- Bluetooth
- Bluetooth 4.0
Accessories
- Apple Pencil
- Not supported
- Keyboard
- Bluetooth keyboards and third-party cases
Design
- Dimensions
- 241.2 x 185.7 x 9.4 mm
- Weight
- 652 g (Wi-Fi), 662 g (cellular)
Security
- Authentication
- Passcode lock
Software
- Launch OS
- iOS 6.0
- Latest supported OS
- iOS 10.3.3 (Wi-Fi), 10.3.4 (cellular)
How it compares
More in the iPad family
iPad (1st generation)
The slate that defined the modern tablet category.
iPad 2
Thinner, faster, and finally equipped with cameras.
iPad (3rd generation)
The first iPad with a Retina display and LTE.
iPad (5th generation)
The budget iPad returns at a much lower entry price.
iPad (6th generation)
The first non-Pro iPad that works with Apple Pencil.
iPad (7th generation)
A slightly larger 10.2-inch screen and the Smart Connector for $329.
iPad (8th generation)
The $329 iPad picks up an A12 Bionic and a Neural Engine.
iPad (9th generation)
The last classic iPad, with Center Stage and True Tone.
iPad (10th generation)
The standard iPad finally goes all-screen, in four bold colors.
iPad (A16)
The everyday iPad, now with 128 GB and a quicker A16 chip.