iPad (3rd Generation)

Essentials

Family: iOS

Codename: ?

Minimum OS: iOS 5.1

Maximum OS: iOS 8.4

Introduced: March 2012

Terminated: October 2012


Processor

CPU: Apple A5X (ARM Cortex-A9)

CPU Speed: 1.0 GHz

CPU Cores: 2

FPU: integrated

Bus Speed: ?

Register Width: 32-bit

Data Bus Width: 64-bit

Address Bus Width: 32-bit

Level 1 Cache: 32 kB data, 32 kB instruction

Level 2 Cache: 1 MB on-processor

Onboard RAM: 1 GB

Maximum RAM: 1 GB


Video

Screen: 9.7" LED-backlit multi-touch

GPU: quad-core PowerVR SGX543MP4 (via A5X)

Max Resolution: 2048x1536 ("Retina")

Video Out: composite, component (via Dock Connector)

Camera: 5 MP rear, VGA front


Storage

Flash Drive: 16/32/64 GB


Input/Output

USB: via Dock Connector

Audio Out: stereo 16 bit mini

Speaker: mono

Microphone: mono

Sensors: Three-axis gyro, Accelerometer, Ambient light sensor


Networking

Wi-Fi: 802.11a/b/g/n

Bluetooth: 4.0

Cellular: Optional 4G LTE:

  • AT&T
    • 4G LTE (700, 2100 MHz)
    • UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz)
    • GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
  • Verizon
    • 4G LTE (700 MHz)
    • CDMA EV-DO Rev. A (800, 1900 MHz)
    • UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz)
    • GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)

Location: WiFi-Assisted GPS (Assisted GPS and GLONASS on cellular models), Digital Compass


Miscellaneous

Battery Life: 10 hours

Dimensions: 9.50" H x 7.31" W x 0.37" D

Weight: 1.44 lbs.


Notes

The cellular-capable models weighed 1.46 lbs.

Introduced in March 2012 and branded simply as "the new iPad," the iPad (3rd Generation) improved on the iPad 2 in several areas, most prominiantly the screen: it included a stunning high-resolution "retina" display which doubled the resolution of the iPad 2. As with the introduction of "retina" graphics in the iPhone 4, the new iPad's doubled resolution allowed an easy transition for app developers; most text was automatically rendered at the higher-resolution, and other graphics were simply pixel-doubled.

The iPad (3rd Generation) included the Apple-designed A5X processor, which improved on the A5 primarily with the inclusion of a faster, quad-core graphics chipset. The new iPad also included twice the RAM of the iPad 2, an upgraded 5 mega-pixels rear-facing camera, and support for 4G LTE on the cellular models (an Apple first). Dictation support was added (via iOS 5.1), but the iPhone 4S's "Siri" feature was not included.

The iPad (3rd Generation) was available in both white and black, and maintained the same storage capacity and price points of the iPad 2:

  • 16 GB: $499
  • 32 GB: $599
  • 64 GB: $699

AT&T or Verizon 4G LTE models were available at a $130 premium, and were limited to 3G internationally. All models were replaced in October 2012 following the introduction of the iPad (4th Generation), making the iPad (3rd Generation) the shortest lived iPad.

Picture Credits:
Apple, Inc.