Apple announces iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3 with integrated Touch ID and Apple Pay
Fri 17 Oct 2014
Apple has unveiled its new line of iPads which includes the iPad Air 2, and the iPad Mini 3. Although not complete makeovers of the original models, the updated collection offers a number of improved features such as a fingerprint scanner Touch ID and integrated Apple Pay.
Launched yesterday at an event on the Apple campus, the new iPad Air 2 is said to be the thinnest tablet on the market at 6.1mm thick. Despite a similar design to the previous iPad Air, the latest version features faster processors, Touch ID functionality, as well as an adapted screen which claims to reduce glare by approximately 56%.
With an updated A8X processor and an M8 motion coprocessor, Apple has said that the iPad Air 2 CPU is four times faster than the original iPad design, and is able to offer more power than the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.
Apple has also added an 8 megapixel camera with burst mode shooting capability, and an upgraded front-facing camera with an f/2.2 aperture.
In addition to the iPad Air improvements, a new version of the iPad Mini – the iPad Mini 3 – was also announced. Apple did not reveal as much detail on this product, supposedly due to its competition with the iPhone 6 Plus.
The Touch ID scanner in both new devices allows for fully supported Apple Pay functionality. Other features include the ability to call and text from an iPad linked to an iPhone, and improved integration with Mac OS X Yosemite desktops.
Prices for the iPad Air 2 start at $499, going up to $829 for the 128GB model, and is available in the same champagne colour as offered in the iPhone range.
Pre-orders for the new iPads start today and shipping will begin next week.
