First Generation iPad Facts

The first generation Apple iPad first debuted in April 2010. Since its original release, Apple has continuously improved upon the product releasing numerous new versions and iPad models. Whether you bought one when it first came out, or you're just curious about how it all started, here are some facts about the first generation iPad.

The Operating System
The first iPad ran a modified version of the iPhone OS (in this case, version 3.2). It added things like contextual menus that weren't available on the iPhone or iPod touch at the time.

Storage
16GB, 32GB, or 64GB.

Dimensions and Weight
The first iPad weighed in at 1.5 pounds (1.6 pounds in the 3G version) and was 9.56 inches tall x 7.47 wide x 0.5 thick. The screen was 9.7 inches.

Resolution
The first generation iPad came in at 1024 x 768 pixels.

Learn about all of the iPad specs with our article, First Generation iPad Hardware Specs.

Orignal iPad OS and Apps

The first iPad was compatible with nearly all existing iPhone apps at the time. iPhone apps were able to run in two modes: in a window at the size they'd run on an iPhone or scaled-up to fullscreen. Downloading apps to the original iPad was just as easy as it is today, but proved more difficult with each iOS update. Apply officially stopped supporting the 1st Generation iPad with the iOS 6 update, but there are still ways to download apps to the first gen iPad.

The Wireless Features

The original iPad debuted as a WiFi-only device. Shortly after the initial launch, Apply debuted a WiFi/3G model that offered offer full assisted GPS (AGPS) like the iPhone 3GS at the time. The WiFi-only model used WiFi and like the original iPhone for their location services. Like the original iPhone, only AT&T provided 3G service to the original iPad, but at the time of launch, Verizon also offered service through its MiFi plans. Apple marketed the device as unlocked, but the first generation iPad didn't work with T-Mobile in the U.S. due to differences in the networks and the chips used in the iPad.

Using the First Generation iPad Then and Today

Syncing the first generation iPad was pretty easy and very similar to syncing an iPhone. Setting up a new iPad, however, has since changed. While the original iPad is sorely out of date for most Apple users, there are still some great ways to use an old first generation iPad.