Apple takes wraps off ‘whole new level’ iPad

The computer will have higher resolution than before, a video recorder and a five megapixel camera with auto focus and auto exposure.

It will also have “voice dictation” allowing people to dictate straight to their computer rather than type.

Apple said the “retina display”, which uses 3.1 million pixels on the 9.7 inch display screen, would have “the highest resolution display ever on a mobile device”.

Another feature is a high-speed 4G wireless network which will allow users to download pictures and films quicker than before.

Speaking on video link from California, Apple chief executive Tim Cook said: “It is amazing, we’re taking it to a whole new level”.

The tablet, which weighs 1.4lb, will go on sale in the UK on March 16 for between £399 and £659.

“We think that iPad is the poster child of the post-PC world,” Mr Cook added. “The momentum behind iPad has been incredible and surprised nearly everyone.”

He added: “Everyone’s been wondering who will come out with the product that is more amazing than the iPad2...well stop wondering. We are.”

Apple also announced that the price of the iPad 2 would fall to between £329 and £429 after the launch of the new device.

Mr Cook said it would mean “more people can afford to get into this ground-breaking device”.