The iPad 2 is a tablet developed and marketed by Apple. Compared to the first iPad, it gained a faster dual core A5 processor, a lighter build structure with a flat, rather than curved back, and was the first iPad to feature VGA front-facing and 720p rear-facing cameras designed for FaceTime video calling. The device was available initially with three storage sizes – 16, 32 and 64 GB – and two connectivity options – Wi-Fi only or Wi-Fi + Cellular. Each variation of the device is available with either a black or white front glass panel. The iPad 2 shipped with iOS 4.
The iPad 2 was first released on March 11, 2011, in the United States, and in other countries throughout March–May 2011. The device received generally positive reception from various blogs and publications. Although it was praised for its hardware improvement, such as the new Apple A5 chip, the software restriction on the iPad 2 and iOS in general drew criticism from various technology commentators. The device sold well in its first month of sales with 2.4–2.6 million units sold and 11.12 million units were sold in the third quarter of 2011.
Following the release of the iPad (3rd generation) in 2012, the 16 GB model remained in the iPad lineup as an entry-level iPad model for three years until March 2014. The iPad 2 received updates up to iOS 9. The iPad 2's design formed the core of the first iPad Mini, which had the same screen pixel count, chip, and similar features at a smaller size.