Next-Gen iPad Air 2 to Feature 8MP Camera, 2GB of RAM Claims Report

The next-generation iPad Air will be slightly redesigned and allegedly be marketed as the world’s thinnest tablet, sources speaking with The Michael Report revealed (via MacDailyNews).

IPad 6 Air 2 rear shell

Although reporters have managed to obtain pictures and illustrations of the next-generation iPad Air, they have “decided not to publish them” but to instead describe the changes we will possibly see on October 16, when Apple is said to unveil the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3.

While there will be some changes, don’t expect to see major ones. The iPad Air 2 will be 0.5 mm thinner, as the mute/vibration button has been eliminated (sic!). The volume controls are said to be more recessed than the ones on the iPad Air — in line with previous rumours. The microphones have been relocated: One of them is now to the right of the camera, and the other one is to the left side of the device.

The mute/vibration switch is completely gone in the new redesign, with sources from within Apple telling us that it was a necessary move to achieve the thinner profile of the new tablets.

The microphones on the iPad Air 2 have been relocated from the top of the iPad Air (where it currently is; within the antenna band) to next to the back camera modules. One of them is to the right of the camera module, the other is to the left – on the sides of the iPad Air.

The iPad Air 2 has been rumoured to get an 8MP rear camera, and the front-facing unit will supposedly be able to support FaceTime HD.

Another noteworthy step Apple is said to be taking is ditching the 16GB version of the iPad Air 2, but keeping it with the iPad mini 3. So if you want to purchase an iPad Air 2, you will have three storage options, while the mini comes with four storage options to choose from.

The Michael Report’s sources corroborated earlier reports concerning Touch ID for the iPad, saying that Apple has re-engineered a lot of the fingerprint sensor components to make them more durable and accurate.

As with every information that gets published ahead of the iPad Air 2 release, we need to take this information leak with a pinch of salt. Apple is rumoured to announce the next-generation iPads on October 16.

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