Apple is reportedly going to introduce a thinner, more powerful iPad Air model this year – often referred to as the iPad Air 2 in existing reports – if Digitimes’ supply chain sources are to be believed.
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According to these sources, touch panel makers TPK and GIS have received iPad Air 2 orders from Apple for “full-lamination” units. The upcoming tablet is expected to have the same 9.7-inch size and screen resolution, but the device is supposed to be thinner than the previous iPad Air model, and pack an “enhanced processor” – likely the A8 chip that will be found inside the upcoming iPhone 6 models – as well as a Touch ID fingerprint sensor.
In addition to increased parts orders for the iPad Air 2, Digitimes notes that Sharp, Japan Display and LG Display are seeing increased orders for the iPhone, likely thanks to an influx of demand for iPhone 6 screens, as these companies are expected to provide the displays of the upcoming flagship Apple phone.
It’s not clear when the new iPad Air model will be introduced, although the device is expected to arrive in stores at some point next quarter. The report does not mention any details about the upcoming Retina iPad mini mode, or about the rumored 12.9-inch iPad.
