Second beta version of iOS 8.1 hints at Retina HD display for 'iPad Air 2'
Apple is likely to introduce a new iPad Air with Retina HD display comparable to that of the iPhone 6 Plus.
This possibility is suggested by new evidence unearthed by developer Hamza Sood in the iOS 8.1 beta 2, which was released yesterday.
As highlighted by Sood in a screenshot he shared on Twitter (pictured above), a number of “@3x” image assets for iPad are included in the new beta version of the upcoming software update. This hints at the imminent launch of a new iPad model, probably the next-generation iPad Air, with an enhanced display that requires assets at a resolution higher even than “@2x” for Retina displays.
Some Apple frameworks on iOS 8.1 contain @3x iPad assets. Bring on the Retina HD iPads! pic.twitter.com/QY3rX0SLVy
— Hamza Sood (@hamzasood) October 9, 2014
The iPhone 6 Plus, with a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution and a 401 ppi pixel density, uses @3x assets, but the iPhone 6, with a 1,334 x 750 resolution and a 326 ppi pixel density (the same as that of the iPhone 5s) doesn’t. Apple, however, markets both devices’ displays as Retina HD.
Aside from a Retina HD display, the so-called “iPad Air 2″ is rumored to feature Touch ID, an A8 microprocessor, 2GB of RAM, and a new gold color option.
Apple is expected to unveil the new iPad Air along with a new version of the iPad mini at its special media event on Thursday, Oct. 16.
The second beta version of iOS 8.1 has been previously found by Sood to contain a setup screen for Apple Pay, the company’s new mobile payment service reportedly set for launch alongside the software update on Oct. 20.
