Apple Bumps iPad to 4th Gen, Adds Lightning Connector

Apple introduced its fourth generation iPad on Tuesday, only seven months after introducing the third generation Retina Display model. Like the third generation model the new version includes a 9.7-inch multitouch display, and like the recently released iPhone 5 replaces the older dock connector with the new Lightning connector.

Apple's fourth gen iPad keeps Retina Display, adds Lightning connectorApple's fourth gen iPad keeps Retina Display, adds Lightning connector

The fourth generation iPad ships with Apple's A6X processor that Phil Schiller says offers twice the CPU and graphics performance compared to the third generation model. It also offers faster 802.11 a/b/g/n WiFi, a front-facing FaceTime HD camera to supplement the 1080p rear-facing video camera, 10 hours of battery life, and adds support for Sprint's 4G network.

The new iPad model maintains the same price points and capacities with the 16GB WiFi only model starting at US$499 and topping out at $699 for the 64GB model. The WiFi plus LTE models start at $629, and all models are available in black or white.

Apple's fourth generation Retina Display iPad will ship on Friday, November 2 in the US, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK.