Mark Gurman noticed the two devices in the iPad User Guide for iOS 8 within iBooks, one day before their official debut at a media event tomorrow.
It seems unlikely that those responsible for the leak will face disciplinary procedures, with some dreadfully cynical commentators arguing that the “leak” was in fact deliberately planned. The details were discovered just a few moments after an announcement from Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGL) concerning its latest Nexus devices, a fact which has led to the Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) document being interpreted as a deliberate attempt to steal column inches from its biggest rival.
Apple iPad Air 2 And iPad Mini 3: Specifications
From what we can see of the screenshots, it appears that both new tablets will feature almost identical designs as the previous models, but with the addition of Touch ID sensors in the Home button.
Following on from its introduction in the iPhone 5s, Burst Mode will feature in the new iPad Air 2, but not in the iPad Mini 3. The names of the new tablets confirm that Apple is reintroducing the numbering scheme to its iPad range.
The erroneous publication of the user guide points to the fact that iOS 8.1 (with Apple Pay) is likely to be released tomorrow.
Further innovations include a new gold color option, as well as a stronger A8X processor and improved camera optics on the new Air at least.
Other product lines
It is expected that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) will discuss the Mac range tomorrow, with announcements concerning the new iMac with Retina display and OS X Yosemite.
One product that is not expected to be a subject of discussion is the 12-inch MacBook Air. Despite the fact that Taiwanese site Digitimes claimed that “shipments of a new MacBook Air model, reportedly equipped with a 12-inch Retina screen, have begun in small volumes and large-volume shipments will begin in November,” other sources have contradicted this assertion.
