Apple is going for gold with next-generation iPad Air, says Bloomberg
The addition of a long-rumored gold color choice is indeed underway for Apple’s iPad, according to a new report by Bloomberg.
Interestingly, the report claims that the new gold color option is set to become available for the tablet’s larger model only, the iPad Air, and not for the smaller version, the iPad mini:
New versions of the company’s 9.7-inch iPads (…) will include gold as a choice of color for the rear metal cover, adding to the silver and gray available for the lighter iPad Air, the people said, asking not to be identified ahead of an announcement. That brings the color palette into line with the iPhone 5s, which come with silver or gold backs for models with a white faceplate, and space gray for those with a black front.
The next-generation iPad Air is expected to be unveiled by Apple at a special media event in October, along with an updated version of the 7.9-inch iPad mini with Retina display.
The addition of a gold color choice for Apple’s iPad is expected to boost the tablet line’s sales, which have been experiencing a decline in the past year. The option has proved quite popular among iPhone buyers since its introduction to the iPhone line with the debut of the iPhone 5s last year (see Apple’s commercial below). It’s also available for the recently released iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.
If you can’t see the video embedded above, please click here.
Aside from gold iPads, Bloomberg’s report corroborates long-standing rumors of Apple’s plans of releasing a 12.9-inch iPad next year.
A separate report from earlier today claims that Samsung has been contracted by Apple to manufacture the displays for a new version of the 9.7-inch iPad Air and the 12.9-inch “iPad Pro.”