On Thursday, October 15, 2014, Apple launched the latest iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3 at an event held in Cupertino, at the company’s headquarters. The announcement comes just after Google launched its Nexus 9 tablet.
The new iPad Air 2 is the thinnest and lightest iPad Apple has ever made. Measuring only 6.1 mm and weighing less than a pound, the new iPad is not reinvented, but has a refreshing new design. Both the iPads will have a Touch ID sensor, which will replace the need for passwords. Touch ID was introduced last year in the iPhone 5S, where the phone has a sensor on the home button that identifies the thumbprint.
Apart from Touch ID, the iPad will have the Apple Pay feature, that was launched by Apple on September 9, 2014 with the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. With Apple Pay, users can make payments for anything using their devices. The feature uses near-field connectivity (NFC) to transfer funds.
The iPad Air 2 will also have an improved Retina display that will enhance the screen. It will also have an improved picture and video quality with Apple’s iSight camera. It is fitted with a powerful A8X chip, that will deliver graphics comparable to any of the modern gaming consoles.
The iPad has a battery life of 10 hours. Both the iPads will come in 3 different color options – Gold, silver and space grey. The starting price in the United iPad Air 2 will be $499 and the iPad Mini 3 will start at $399. Preorders will begin from October 17, 2014 through the App Store.
