Today’s Apple event was supposed to be about the iPad mini – as well as new Mac products – and we certainly did not expect the company to unveil the iPad 4 already. Sure, there were plenty of fourth-generation iPad-related reports out there, but we only thought Apple would update its iPad 3 and launch a full-fledged iPad 4 next year.

The iPad 4 is going to essentially be similar to the current iPad 3 – and yes, they’ll call it the “new iPad.” But there are some changes that you should be aware of, so here’s what’s new:

• A6X processor that’s supposed to be twice as fast as the A5X processor
• Better graphics – said to offer twice the performance of the current model
• FaceTime HD camra
• dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi
• 10-hour battery life
• LTE support for Sprint
• Lightning connector

The iPad 4 will be available in the same configurations as the previous generation, with prices starting at $499 for the 16GB Wi-Fi version and at $629 for the 16GB Cellular + Wi-Fi version. The Wi-Fi version can be pre-ordered today and will ship on November 2, while the Cellular + Wi-Fi model will ship two weeks later. All models can be pre-ordered starting with October 26.

Apple is also keeping around the second-generation iPad, which is available in a 16GB capacity only priced at $399 or $529, depending on pricing.