AppleInsider Staff
An apparent mockup of a slightly redesigned, next-generation iPad Air has surfaced from Vietnam showing a more trim profile, recessed volume buttons, and the addition of a Touch ID sensor to the home button.
The supposed dummy unit matches up nearly identically with previous "leaks." Vietnamese blog Tinhte.vn says that the device comes in at just 7 millimeters thick, the same thickness as the iPhone 6.
In addition to a redesigned speaker grille, the unit also sports a small hole where the mute/orientation lock switch appears on existing iPad units.
Previous speculation has suggested that Apple may be considering relocating the microphone, as the dummy does not sport a microphone opening on top. It could also simply be based on an unfinished model, with the side hold acting as a pilot for machining a larger opening.
The dummy also matches the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus's recessed volume adjustment buttons, but does not carry over their protruding camera lens.
Little is known about the second-generation iPad Air, though it is almost certain to come with Touch ID and Apple's latest A8 chip. Less certain is the inclusion of NFC for Apple Pay compatibility, but those questions should be answered next week during Apple's rumored Oct. 16 event in Cupertino.
Malcolm Owen
Amber Neely
Christine McKee
Chip Loder
Marko Zivkovic
56 Comments
Meh. The iPad Air S. At least I can keep my iPad Air on the stable iOS 7.1.2.
And on that same site: [IMG ALT=""]http://forums.appleinsider.com/content/type/61/id/50323/width/500/height/1000[/IMG] Oh, and a nice avatar on that site
Is it just me, or has the iPhone 6 design made the chamfered edges on iDevices look old now? There's definitely some fit and finish issues on that model, have to wait and see the final one. Not sure it really needed to be thinner though...unless it's because they've laminated the cover to the display.
How long before some idiot tries to bend it? [IMG]http://forums.appleinsider.com/content/type/61/id/50327/width/200/height/400[/IMG]
Nice nice!! :)