Apple has unexpectedly revealed a fourth-generation iPad called, well, the iPad 4.

It features an upgraded A6X CPU, and Apple claims the iPad 4’s new processor will double both the CPU performance and the graphics performance of the previous A5X CPU used in the third-generation new iPad.

Though the shell remains the same size as its predecessor, with a 9.7-inch Retina Display and a rear iSight 5-megapixel camera, the iPad 4 is more energy efficient, boasting 10 hours of continuous battery life.

Apple has also included its new Lightning port and twice as fast Wi-Fi as previous iPad models, while the camera has also been tweaked for a better performance.

Apple has also announced that the iPad 4 will be LTE compatible, and noticeably in the background of Apple's San Jose presentation was the EE logo - suggesting the UK will be able to enjoy faster network speeds when the iPad 4 arrives in Blighty.

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A Wi-Fi-only 16GB version of the iPad 4 will cost you $499 (£313), while a Wi-Fi and cellular version 16GB version will set you back $629 (£395). Both variants are available in black and white.

Pre-orders for the Wi-Fi only version are due to begin on Friday 26 October, before shipping commences on 2 November. The Wi-Fi and cellular version will follow in the coming weeks. Of course, we've seen it in the flesh, so be sure to check-out our hands-on.

READ: iPad 4 pictures and hands-on

The iPad 4 wasn't the only tablet device Apple unveiled at its San Jose event, with the much anticipated iPad mini finally becoming a reality.