iPad · Standard
2012
iPad (4th generation)
Swift generational correction bringing the Apple A6X chip with double CPU/GPU performance, Lightning connector, FaceTime HD camera, and expanded global LTE.
- Announced
- 2012-10-23
- Family
- iPad
- Branch
- Standard
- Historical weight
- Refinement
Key specifications
Apple verification ↗- Display
- 9.7" Retina IPS, 2048×1536
- Chip / CPU
- Apple A6X · 1.40 GHz
- Memory
- 1 GB
- Base storage
- 16 GB
- Ports & charging
- Lightning
- Weight
- 652 g
- Dimensions
- 241.2×185.7×9.4 mm
- Original OS
- iOS 6
- Launch price
- $499
- Released
- November 2, 2012
- Discontinued
- October 2014
- Graphics
- PowerVR SGX554MP4
- CPU cores
- 2
Generation delta
What changed?
Introduced
6- Silicon
Apple A6X SoC
Apple-designed system-on-chip featuring dual-core custom Swift CPU architecture clocked at 1.4 GHz and quad-core PowerVR SGX554MP4 graphics, doubling both CPU and GPU performance compared to the A5X.
- Ports
Lightning connector
Replaced the legacy 30-pin analog dock connector with an 8-signal, all-digital, reversible connector that dramatically reduced internal connector volume.
- Camera
FaceTime HD front camera
Upgraded front camera from VGA (0.3MP) to 1.2MP with 720p HD video recording, backside illumination sensor, and improved low-light performance.
- Connectivity
Dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi
Dual-band support (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) with channel bonding capable of download speeds up to 150 Mbps (2x prior generation).
- Connectivity
Expanded global LTE bands
Added broader LTE band compatibility to support major international carrier frequencies across Europe, Asia, and Australasia.
- Storage
128GB storage configuration
Apple added a new 128GB capacity option on February 5, 2013, doubling maximum onboard storage for creative and enterprise workflows.
Retired
1- Ports
30-pin dock connector
Fully retired the legacy 30-pin connector from the flagship iPad line.
Retained
1- Power
Chassis design and 42.5 Wh battery
Preserved the 9.4 mm thickness, 652 g weight, and large 42.5 watt-hour battery established by the 3rd generation iPad.
Technology DNA
Ideas carried by this generation.
Canonical predecessor
iPad (3rd generation) iPad (4th generation)