14 DAY TRIAL // A Japanese mag has gotten its mitts on the schematics for an upcoming uber tablet from Apple, along with some technical specs that talk about the device’s processing power. A fourth-generation iPad mini is also included in the leak.
The January 2015 issue of Mac Fan magazine will reportedly include the schematics for Apple’s upcoming iPad Air Plus, a 12-inch tablet that has been rumored for quite a while. At least the name is no longer a problem for the media.
Powered by A9 processor
The leak, which actually went live this week as the January issue hit the stands on November 28, describes a 12.2-inch iPad Air Plus. The blueprint is said to be “full-scale,” which theoretically means that Apple’s next tablet would be no larger than the magazine itself. If you happen to have an issue in one of your drawers, you can get an idea of how big the tablet will be in your hands.
Reportedly dubbed iPad Air Plus, the tablet will measure 305.31mm x 220.8mm x 7mm. The numbers describe length (height), width, and depth (thickness). If the figures are correct, the iPad Air Plus will actually be thinner than the iPhone 6 Plus, which measures 7.1mm in depth. This would obviously make the tablet prone to bending, especially if Apple chooses to make continued use of aluminum.
It will be powered by the A9 processor and it will ship between April and June 2015, according to Macotakara. Earlier reports from the Far East said that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company had secured all of the orders for A9 chips from Apple. The processor will be even more powerful than the current-generation A8 and A8X chips, which are already considered computing powerhouses.
4 built-in speakers, something about a new iPad mini
The iPad Air Plus will have not one, not two, not three, but four built-in speakers, two on each side, for an improved audio experience. The tablet will output good stereo sound regardless of orientation.
Some details about the fourth-generation iPad mini are also offered. The smaller tablet will reportedly adopt the design of the iPad Air 2 and will be powered by the A8X chip currently found in Apple’s top-of-the-line tablets. iPads mini 2 and 3 will be discontinued as part of the upgrade, the magazine says.
We can expect these devices to be officially unveiled at a special event in spring. The announcement could coincide with the physical launch of Apple’s smartwatch.
