14 DAY TRIAL // The next-generation iPads slated to be unveiled in October (according to various sources around the web) are likely to adopt the same Home button technology used in the iPhone 5s.
Put more bluntly, Apple’s upcoming tablets might employ the same Touch ID fingerprint sensor as the iPhone 5s.
This according to a timely DigiTimes report which comes high on the heels of an iPad mini leak, both touting an October launch date for Apple’s revised tablet computers.
Citing Taiwan-based sapphire glass makers, the trade publication (also based in Taiwan) says, “Apple is expected to extend the use of sapphire glass home keys to its new 9.7-inch iPad and 7.9-inch iPad mini to be launched in October.”
This bodes well with a recent NWE report which included leaked photos depicting a Space Gray iPad mini rear shell, and quoted a mid-October launch date.
The sources quoted by the Taiwanese site said, “Apple first adopted sapphire to make covers of iPhone 5 cameras and now the material is also used in making covers of iPhone 5S finger print-recognizing home keys,” hinting at the likelihood of seeing the Touch ID tech embedded in Apple’s new iPads as well.
The iPad 5 is reportedly getting a redesign akin to the iPad mini, but obviously in a bigger form factor.
Several leaks in the past few months have indicated that Apple plans to keep the screen size intact (9.7 inches), complete with the high-density Retina spec. The iPad mini 2 is also getting a denser resolution, according to industry experts.
An October 15 launch event is probable, as Apple has promised a lot of exciting announcements for fall 2013. So far, the Cupertino giant has only refreshed its iPhone line.