The third-generation iPad (marketed as The new iPad, colloquially referred to as the iPad 3)[4][5][6] is a tablet computer, developed and marketed by Apple Inc. The third device in the iPad line of tablets, it added a Retina display, the new Apple A5X chip with a quad-core graphics processor, a 5 megapixel camera, HD 1080p video recording, voice dictation, and support for LTE networks in North America.[7] It shipped with iOS 5.1, which also provides a platform for audio-visual media, including electronic books, periodicals, films, music, computer games, presentations and web content.[3]

In the US and Canada, nine variations of the third-generation iPad were offered, compared to six in the rest of the world, although some countries had only the Wi-Fi only model. Each variation was available with black or white front glass panels, with options for 16, 32, or 64 GB of storage. In North America, connectivity options were Wi-Fi only, Wi-Fi + 4G (LTE) on Verizon, AT&T, Telus, Rogers, or Bell.[1] For the rest of the world outside North America, connectivity options are Wi-Fi only (on the Wi-Fi model) or Wi-Fi + 3G (on the Wi-Fi + Cellular model), with the latter unavailable in some countries, as 4G (LTE) connectivity for the device is not available outside North America. The Wi-Fi + Cellular model includes GPS capability.

Initially, the cellular version was titled and marketed worldwide as the "Wi-Fi + 4G" model, but due to regional differences in classification of 4G (LTE) connectivity outside of North America, Apple later rebranded and altered their marketing to call this the "Wi-Fi + Cellular" model.[8][9][10]

The tablet was released in ten countries on March 16, 2012.[11] It gained mostly positive reviews, earning praise for its Retina display, processor and 4G (LTE) capabilities.[12][13][14][15][16] However, controversy arose when the LTE incompatibilities became known.[17] Three million units were sold in the first three days.[1][18]

After only seven months (221 days) of official availability, the third-generation iPad was discontinued on October 23, 2012, following the announcement of the fourth generation iPad. The third-generation iPad had the shortest lifespan of any iOS product.[19] It is also the last iPad to support the 30-pin dock connector, as the fourth generation iPad and later use the Lightning connector

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