14 DAY TRIAL // The two new tablets rumored to launch later today have been leaked in a set of screenshots on the iTunes Store. Apple mistakenly published the user guide for both tablets with graphics revealing Touch ID sensors and references to iOS 8.
At the time of this writing, Apple has already retracted the leaked info but the word is out and screenshots have been taken. In all fairness, you can expect both these tablets to be unveiled later today.
Touch ID, improved camera, burst mode
The leak confirms at least three hardware upgrades that had previously been rumored. One of these is the presence of a Touch ID fingerprint sensor on both tablets. The sapphire-coated Home button now reads fingerprints for authentication and iTunes Store transactions (perhaps even Apple Pay if the latest rumors are to be believed).
The larger iPad is getting an improved camera (said to sport an 8-megapixel sensor) and Burst Mode, a rapid-fire photography function that iPhone owners have been enjoying for a while now. It’s unclear if the iPad mini 3 is also getting these photography-centric updates. Word on the web is that Apple is holding these back in the smaller tablet to better differentiate the two and spur sales of the larger version.
Slight design alterations
While it is not immediately clear from the screenshots, Apple is said to have redesigned the new iPads a bit. Their cases are slimmer and their buttons are more recessed. On the iPad Air 2, the mute switch is no longer available, according to industry sources cited in recent reports. This is not evident from Apple’s leak, so we’ll have to wait until a little bit later to know for sure.
iOS 8.1 referenced in the user guides
There’s also a very good indication that Apple is planning to debut iOS 8.1 with these babies later today. The new firmware will probably add support for some last-minute features that the company decided to implement after the original iOS 8 firmware rolled out.
It would also address some bugs reported by users of the newer iPhones, including Wi-Fi connectivity and other stuff.
Apple’s event kicks off at 10:00 AM PDT (Pacific Daylight Time), and we’ll be on hand to provide full coverage and our own analysis of each and every announcement in part. The Cupertino giant also plans to live stream the ceremonious unveiling of the new iPads and other products. Hopefully the stream will be smoother than last time (September 9, iPhone 6 launch).
