The device, which is 33 percent thinner, runs a new A5 chip, and will come in black and white, starts shipping on March 11 in the U.S., and on March 25 in 26 additional countries, Apple said. It will be available on both Verizon and AT&T.
According to Apple CEO Steve Jobs, who attended the event despite ongoing health issues, the iPad 2 is thinner than the iPhone 4, and despite the sleeker size, will retain a battery life of 10 hours. Additionally, its dual-core processor boasts up to 2x faster CPU performance, 9x faster graphics, and low-power consumption.
The iPad’s rear-facing camera supports HD up to 720p at 30 frames per second with a still camera featuring 5x digital zoom. The front camera is VGA.
Pricing will start at $499 for the Wi-Fi-only 16GB. The 32GB Wi-Fi iPad 2 will be $599, and the 64GB will be $699. The Wi-Fi plus 3G model starts at $629 for the 16GB, the 32GB will be $729, and the 64GB will be $829.
New accessories for the iPad 2 include a $39 HDMI video-out cable that delivers mirrored video output up to 1080p and works with all apps, with no setup or configuration necessary.
The new, intuitive Smart Cover better showcases the iPad 2 by bending and folding around it to double as a stand. It instantly wakes up the iPad when it is opened it and puts it to sleep when it's closed. Smart Cover magnetically grasps the screen and auto-aligns perfectly, Jobs said.
Smart Case comes in five color options, all $39, and five leather colors, which will retail for $69.
Apple also showcased the latest version of its mobile operating system, iOS 4.3.
The iPad 2 reveal satiates months of buzz surrounding the upgraded suite of features that the next-generation tablet would present.
