Apple Inc. introduced the first generation iPad on April 3, 2010, in San Francisco, California, at a highly anticipated press event led by co-founder Steve Jobs. The iPad was heralded as a revolutionary device, featuring a 9.7-inch LED-backlit Multi-Touch display, an A4 chip, and a sleek, thin design at just half an inch thick. The device aimed to bridge the gap between laptops and smartphones, providing a portable and user-friendly platform for reading, browsing the web, watching videos, and accessing applications through the App Store. The iPad ran on iOS, the same operating system that powered the iPhone and iPod Touch, ensuring a familiar interface for users.

With the introduction of the iPad, Apple emphasized its capability for various uses, including entertainment, productivity, and education. The device came equipped with features like Wi-Fi connectivity, optional 3G support, and a range of available applications. These capabilities made the iPad a versatile tool for consumers, educators, and business professionals. As pre-orders began, there was considerable enthusiasm, with over 300,000 units sold on the first day alone. The retail launch followed on April 3, 2010, marking a significant milestone in Apple's product lineup and the evolution of mobile computing.

The launch of the iPad was met with excitement and discussions about its potential impact on publishing, education, and the overall computing landscape. It opened new avenues for content consumption and sparked innovations in app development. Apple’s success with the iPad also encouraged competitors to explore the tablet market, ultimately resulting in a boom in tablet computing that continues to shape technology today.