Apple reportedly set to launch 'iPad Air Plus' and 'iPad mini 4' in second quarter of 2015
Apple’s largest tablet yet may be marketed as a bigger and, in some ways, better version of the iPad Air, just as the iPhone 6 Plus offers “more” than the iPhone 6.
Hence, the long-rumored device hitherto dubbed “iPad Pro” may actually be called “iPad Air Plus.”
At least that’s what’s suggested by the purported schematics of the device published by Mac Fan and shared by Mac o Takara (via MacRumors).
In addition to the supposed branding, the Japanese Apple fan magazine shares more information about the upcoming device, including its claimed dimensions and other key specifications.
Contrary to earlier reports citing a 12.9-inch display, but in line with a recent claim by Mac o Takara, the tablet is said to have a display measuring 12.2 inches.
Apple’s current flagship tablet, the iPad Air 2, has dimensions measuring 9.4 inches x 6.67 inches x 0.24 inches. Unsurprisingly, the iPad Air Plus is longer, wider, and thicker, with dimensions of 12 inches x 8.7 inches x 0.28 inches.
Also, while the iPad Air 2 is equipped with an A8X processor, the iPad Air Plus is said to come with an even more powerful “A9” chip. In addition, it’s rumored to have an audio advantage over its predecessor, thanks to its dual top and bottom stereo speakers.
However, in terms of overall external design, the iPad Air Plus is expected be quite similar to the iPad Air 2 and the iPad mini 3.
Along with the iPad Air Plus, the so-called “iPad mini 4” is said to be in the works. It’s expected to feature a thinner profile and an A8X chip, and to possibly dislodge the iPad mini and the iPad mini 3 from Apple’s tablet line.
Both the iPad Air Plus and the iPad mini 4 are reportedly scheduled to be launched in the second quarter of 2015, the same period pegged by the noted KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo for the start of the larger tablet’s mass production.
See also: Apple Watch microsite touts Timekeeping, New Ways to Connect and Health & Fitness, Apple’s iOS 8 is now running on 60 percent of iOS devices, and Apple’s new TV ad highlights ‘Voice Text’ feature of iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.
