When Did the First iPad Come Out?
It was introduced on January 27, 2010. It launched on April 3 of that year and was discontinued in March 2011 with the launch of iPad 2. It came in six models — 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB of storage, and with or without 3G connectivity (provided in the U.S. by AT&T on the first generation iPad. Later models were supported by other wireless carriers). All models offer Wi-Fi. The iPad was the first Apple product to employ the A4, a then-new processor developed by Apple.
Similarities to the iPhone
The iPad ran iOS, the same operating system as the iPhone, and as a result, could run apps from the App Store. The iPad allowed existing apps to upscale their size to fill its entire screen (newer apps could also be written to fit its larger dimensions). Like the iPhone and iPod touch, the iPad’s screen offered a multitouch interface that allowed users to select items onscreen by tapping them, move them by dragging, and zoom in and out of content by pinching.
iPad Hardware Specs
ProcessorApple A4 running at 1 Ghz Storage Capacity16 GB32 GB64 GB Screen Size9.7 inches Screen Resolution1024 x 768 pixels NetworkingBluetooth 2.1 + EDR802.11n Wi-Fi3G cellular on some models 3G CarrierAT&T Battery Life10 hours use1-month standby Dimensions9.56 inches tall x 7.47 inches wide x 0.5 inches thick Weight1.5 pounds
iPad Software Features
The First iPad Price and Availability
The first iPad came in two versions: Wi-Fi-only and Wi-Fi and 3G. There were three storage options to choose from: 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB.
May 28, 2010: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the UKJuly 23, 2010: Hong Kong, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand, SingaporeSeptember 17, 2010: China
Original iPad Sales
The iPad was a success, selling 300,000 units on its first day, and ultimately close to 19 million units before its successor, the iPad 2, was introduced. For a fuller accounting of iPad sales, read What Are iPad Sales All Time?
Critical Reception of the First iPad
The iPad was generally seen as a breakthrough product upon its release. A sampling of reviews of the device finds:
We gave the device 3.5 stars, calling it “a terrific luxury device that takes the first step towards fulfilling Apple’s revolutionary promise.” CNet gave it 4 stars out of 5, saying the iPad was “the first affordable tablet computer worth owning.” The Wall Street Journal didn’t assign a rating, but said that the iPad “has the potential to change portable computing profoundly, and to challenge the primacy of the laptop.” The New York Times’ review was more mixed, saying it was a good device for consumers, but for techies, “if you’ve already got a laptop and a smartphone, who’s going to carry around a third machine?”
Later Models of the iPad
The success of the iPad was sufficient that Apple announced its successor, the iPad 2, about one year after the original. The company discontinued the original model on March 2, 2011, and released the iPad 2 on March 11, 2011. The iPad 2 was an even bigger hit, selling around 30 million units before its successor was introduced in 2012.
