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Details leak ahead of Apple's iPad launch tomorrow

Thu, 16 Oct 2014

Apple seems to have inadvertently leaked details of new iPads that are expected to be announced tomorrow. Computerworld reports.

An image published on Apple's iPad User Guide page for iOS 8 on iTunes earlier today reveals that the company may announce the iPad Mini 3 and an iPad Air 2 at its October 16 (October 17 NZ time) event.

Apple usually holds on tight to its product announcements, so the posting mistake is unusual for the company. The images show the iPads are similar in design to their predecessors and have the familiar iOS 8 interface.

The TouchID fingerprint sensor is one new feature revealed in the user guide. Otherwise, the images don't share many details about the features. The tablets have iSight and FaceTime cameras, volume buttons and headset jacks. The iPad Mini 3 also has a nano-SIM slot for mobile broadband connectivity.

The iPad Air 2 is expected to also get an upgrade to the A8 processor, which were introduced in the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. The chip is faster and more power-efficient than the A7 chip.

The company is also expected to announce Mac computers and will talk about the Yosemite OS.

Last week, Apple sent invites to journalists to its Cupertino, California headquarters for the October 16 event, which is widely-tipped to be a preview of one or more new iPads — although Apple itself has yet to offer any details.

A CNet report quotes fanboy site rumours that a second-generation, thinner iPad Air will be unveiled.

Wall Street Journal report quotes an who says Apple originally planned a larger iPad as well, which was due to go into mass-volume in December.

However, that plan has apparently been derailed by the popularity of the new iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.

“The top priority for the supply chain is to meet the overwhelming demand for the larger screen iPhones. The output of the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus remains unsatisfactory,” an insider told the Journal. “It would be challenging for display makers to split resources and spend a few months to ramp up production for a new larger screen iPad now.”

iPhone 6 and 6 Plus shortages mean big waits for buyers around the world, including up to four weeks for New Zealand customers.

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Details leak ahead of Apple's iPad launch tomorrow
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