Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPad Air 2 pictures leaked on Weibo showcasing string of changes in the design awaited from Apple. In the pictures, just the rear end of the tablet is displayed, where new speaker grille and re-positioned microphones can be seen clearly.
Alleged features of iPad Air 2
Latest photos of the alleged iPad Air 2 show that there will be no “mute/orientation lock” toggle switches like the one in the current iPad and iPhone models. There is a tiny pinhole above the volume button, but its function is not known yet.
Apart from the 9.7-inch Retina display rumors, it is also expected that Apple would not bring in any large scale modification in its design, but can offer 8-megapixel camera, compared to the 5 megapixel in the running version of the device.
The iPad Air 2 is expected to be rolled this fall around October. Resembling to the iPad mini in features, the iPad Air 2 is expected to have a Touch ID fingerprint scanner and an Apple A8 processor, among other unearthed features. Recent reports reveal that the much awaited 9.7-inch iPad would be a “real game changer”.
Apple to come up stronger
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, at KGI Securities, noted in a research note that Apple might give Touch ID feature across all new iOS device including the iPhone 6, the iPad Air 2 and the iPad mini 3 Retina display, except for the iPod in 2014.
Apple has recorded a decline in the iPad sales in its recent quarterly results compared to the iPhone and Mac that posted strong growth. Going by the current trend of declining sales Apple is estimated to fiercely market its upcoming iPads. The iPad Air 2 is projected to launch in November, 2014, which is expected to be priced around £399, similar to the current iPad Air model. As was earlier rumored, it is now believed that iPad Air 2 will not be coming with IGZO displays. Such displays are not preferred for their improved colors, but require less power than previous displays. Apple has not revealed anything officially yet.
This fall, Apple could release the iPhone 4.7 inch and 5.5 inch, which will compete with Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and others to come.
