We’re just hours away from the unveiling of the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3, but reports with important information about the new tablets are still trickling out. According to Brian X. Chen at The New York Times, we should expect to see Apple announce that the new iPads will support Apple Pay when the company takes the stage on Thursday.
FROM EARLIER: These are Apple’s brand new iPads: iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3
In order for Apple Pay to function, the new tablets would need to feature Touch ID fingerprint sensors, which was all but officially confirmed on Wednesday when Apple accidentally leaked user manuals for the upcoming iPad Air and iPad mini models. Chen’s report can be added to the extensive list of evidence, which include photographs and videos, that the new iPads will feature Touch ID.
Reports aside, if Apple plans to build a secure mobile payment system, the entire ecosystem of products will need to support it. Touch ID is virtually mandatory for any Apple smartphone or tablet from here on out.
As Business Insider notes, Apple Pay will likely serve a different purpose on the iPad than on the iPhone. No one can be expected to carry around a tablet in place of a credit card, so the Apple Pay integration might instead focus on online shopping. Select your items, head to the online checkout and scan your fingerprint.
