iPad 4th Gen. announced with double the power, same $500 price

In addition to launching the iPad Mini, Apple has also refreshed its full-size iPad range, bringing it in-line with the new tablet, the iPhone 5 and new iPods.

Apple has announced the fourth generation iPad. Introduced by Phil Schiller on stage at a special event in San Jose in California today, just prior to the new iPad Mini, the refreshed model falls in-line with the other new additions to Apple’s mobile range.

At first glance, the new iPad (should that be the new, new iPad?) looks identical to the iPad introduced earlier this year. Get a little closer and you’ll see that the 30-pin connector has been replaced by the new Lightning connector, just like the one featured on the iPhone 5, iPods and the new iPad Mini.

Externally, nothing else has changed, and the tablet still has the same 9.7-inch, 2048 x 1536 pixel ‘Retina’ display dominating the front panel. Inside though, there are a few more alterations.

The major change is with the processor, as the fourth-generation iPad uses the new A6X, which apparently doubles the graphics and CPU performance over the A5X. This should mean the tablet will be even faster, and Apple also promise improved gaming, quicker app launch times and sharper photos and videos.

Other new features include an updated FaceTime camera with 720p video, an improved 4G LTE radio, dual-band Wi-Fi and like the iPad Mini, even more 4G LTE network compatibility.

Apple has kept the pricing the same too, with the 16GB Wi-Fi model up for $500, or $630 if you want to add cellular connectivity. It’s not available through the Apple Store online yet, but should be up for pre-order on October 26, just like the iPad Mini.