iPad 2
Thinner, faster, and finally equipped with cameras.
Overview
Just eleven months after the first model, iPad 2 arrived with a redesigned enclosure that was noticeably thinner and lighter. The tapered aluminum back replaced the first model's chunkier shell, and the glass could now be had with a white bezel as well as black.
The dual-core A5 chip brought much better graphics and let the tablet handle video editing and richer games, while a gyroscope joined the accelerometer for motion control. Two low-resolution cameras made FaceTime calls and photo booth-style fun possible, and the 720p rear sensor was good enough for casual video.
It shipped with iOS 4.3 and the magnetic Smart Cover, and it stayed on sale in a cheaper form for more than three years, which made it one of the longest-lived iPads ever sold.
Why it mattered
The iPad 2 turned the tablet from a curiosity into a runaway commercial success and set the thin-and-light formula that later iPads followed.
At a glance
- Announced
- March 2, 2011
- Released
- March 11, 2011
- Discontinued
- March 18, 2014
- Launch price
- $499
- Chip
- Apple A5, 1 GHz dual-core
- Display
- 9.7"
- Storage
- 16GB, 32GB, 64GB
- Status
- Vintage
Highlights
- A5 dual-core chip with 512 MB of memory
- First iPad with front and rear cameras
- Available in black or white
- Magnetic Smart Cover accessory debuted
Tech specs
Specifications as published at launch. Some values (like battery life) are manufacturer estimates.
Display
- Size
- 9.7-inch
- Type
- LED-backlit IPS multi-touch
- Resolution
- 1024 x 768 (132 ppi)
- Refresh rate
- 60 Hz
Chip
- Chip
- Apple A5, 1 GHz dual-core ARM Cortex-A9
- Graphics
- PowerVR SGX543MP2
Memory
- RAM
- 512 MB
- Storage options
- 16GB, 32GB, 64GB
Camera
- Rear camera
- VGA photos, 720p video at 30 fps
- Front camera
- VGA, FaceTime calls
Battery
- Battery life
- Up to 10 hours of web, video or music
- Capacity
- About 25 Wh
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi
- 802.11a/b/g/n
- Cellular
- Optional 3G model (GSM/UMTS or CDMA versions)
- Connector
- 30-pin dock connector
- Bluetooth
- Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
Accessories
- Apple Pencil
- Not supported
- Keyboard
- iPad Keyboard Dock or Bluetooth keyboards
Design
- Dimensions
- 241.2 x 185.7 x 8.8 mm
- Weight
- 601 g (Wi-Fi), 613 g (3G)
Sensors
- Sensors
- Three-axis gyroscope, accelerometer, ambient light sensor, compass
Security
- Authentication
- Passcode lock
Software
- Launch OS
- iOS 4.3
- Latest supported OS
- iOS 9.3.5 (Wi-Fi), 9.3.6 (cellular)
How it compares
More in the iPad family
iPad (1st generation)
The slate that defined the modern tablet category.
iPad (3rd generation)
The first iPad with a Retina display and LTE.
iPad (4th generation)
A surprise refresh that doubled the speed and introduced Lightning.
iPad (5th generation)
The budget iPad returns at a much lower entry price.
iPad (6th generation)
The first non-Pro iPad that works with Apple Pencil.
iPad (7th generation)
A slightly larger 10.2-inch screen and the Smart Connector for $329.
iPad (8th generation)
The $329 iPad picks up an A12 Bionic and a Neural Engine.
iPad (9th generation)
The last classic iPad, with Center Stage and True Tone.
iPad (10th generation)
The standard iPad finally goes all-screen, in four bold colors.
iPad (A16)
The everyday iPad, now with 128 GB and a quicker A16 chip.