Apple boss Steve Jobs has returned from indefinite sick leave to declare 2011 “the year of the iPad2”.

Mr Jobs is on medical leave from the company and there was much speculation over whether he would take centre stage at the highly-anticipated launch of the new tablet.

Describing the iPad2 design as “completely new”, Mr Jobs made a 30-minute presentation at the YBCA Theatre in San Francisco, which was broadcast live via video link in London.

Calling the new device “beautiful”, he said: “We think 2011 is clearly going to be the year of iPad2. It is going to be everywhere in the month of March.”

Despite rumours that the iPad2 may come in a smaller size, the new tablet will keep its original dimensions. It does, however, boast a sleeker and slimmer design than its predecessor, measuring 33% less in thickness.

Mr Jobs said: “One of the most startling things about the iPad2 is it is dramatically thinner. It feels totally different.”

It will also be lighter, weighing in at 1.3lb, 0.2lb lighter than the iPad1. “You can just pick this thing up, it almost floats,” Mr Jobs said.

The tablet will be available in both black and white rather than its previous single-colour design. The iPad2 will also be faster than its predecessor, with a new dual processor making it twice as quick and nine times faster in its graphics performance.

Mr Jobs put rumours of a price increase to rest, revealing that the tablet can be purchased in the US for the same price as the iPad1. “We are going to keep the same exact prices as the current iPad but you get a dramatically improved product,” Mr Jobs said.

Among other new accessories, the sleek redesign of the iPad cover raised eyebrows. With a magnetic grasp attaching to the tablet, the cover provides a book-like front to the iPad and comes in 10 colours.