Apple is expected to unveil a new generation of iPad Air models in the coming weeks, with a fresh report from The Commercial Times suggesting that the updated 9.7-inch iPad Air model will be the only new tablet the company launches this year. The Chinese publication also says that a new Retina iPad mini model is expected to arrive only next year, followed by the bigger iOS tablet certain buyers may be waiting for.
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Apparently, the new Retina iPad mini is arriving early next year, with the 12.9-inch iPad Pro supposed to launch in the second quarter of 2015.
A recent report suggested Apple could unveil its 2014 tablets during an October 21 media event – at which point OS X Yosemite launch details are also expected – but, as MacRumors points out, The Loop’s well-connected Jim Darlymple has denied those rumors with a simple “Nope.” Apple is still expected to hold an October press event for its iPad and Mac fall announcements.
As for the iPad Pro, conflicting rumors about its existence hit the web earlier this year, with some people suggesting the bigger tablet will launch this year, and others claiming the company has canceled the project. A recent report from Bloomberg also indicated that Apple’s biggest iPad yet might only be released in 2015.
The Commercial Times did not elaborate on what kind of new features the iPad Air 2 is supposed to get, although the tablet should offer users a faster A8 processor, a Touch ID fingerprint scanner embedded in the Home button, and better cameras. Recent reports have suggested that the iPad Air 2 might also get an anti-reflective screen coating, and ship in iPhone-like colors. It’s likely next year’s rumored iPads will also share the same set of specs and features as the iPad Air 2.
