Apple unveiled its next-generation iPad Air 2 at a press event today. The new tablet features a faster A8X processor, improved Retina display, Touch ID, and is even thinner than its predecessor at 6.1 mm.
Apple claims the iPad Air 2 is 18 percent thinner than the first-generation iPad Air and is the world's thinnest tablet.
To achieve this, Apple bonded its display with a no-air-gap construction, which not only makes it super thin, it also allows for sharper viewing angles. The screen has a new anti-reflective coating that makes the tablet 56 percent less reflective and easier to read in direct sunlight.
The iPad Air 2 is also the most powerful iPad, thanks to its brand new second-generation 64-bit A8X processor, which features 3 billion transistors. Apple claims the iPad Air 2's processor is 40 percent faster and its GPU (graphics processing unit) is 2.5 times faster than the original iPad Air.
The iPad Air 2 also ships with the new M8 motion co-processor that made its debut on the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, which allows the tablet to track motion. The addition of these new, powerful internals has not had an effect on battery life -- in true Apple form, the iPad Air 2 has a very impressive 10-hour battery life.
Apple also upgraded the cameras on the iPad Air 2. The tablet features a new 8-megapixel iSight rear camera that has the ability to capture 1080p HD video thanks to the Apple-designed image signal processor built into the A8X processor. This will allow users to take stunning photos, panorama images, burst mode, time lapse, slo-mo 720p video at 120 frames per second. There are also dual microphones and the new FaceTime HD camera features an all-new sensor, larger f/2.2 aperture, which lets in 81 percent more light. It also offers improved face detection, Burst selfies, single-shot HDR photos, and HDR videos.
The iPad Air 2 has the faster Wi-Fi 802.11 ac, which is 2.8-times faster and can achieve speeds of up to 866 Mbps. Touch ID is also on board and can be used to unlock the tablet, open apps, and make online purchases using Apple Pay.
The iPad Air 2 is now available in the same three color options as the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus; Space Gray, Silver, and Gold. Apple is offering the iPad Air 2 in Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular options. Pricing is as follows for Wi-Fi models: 16 GB, $499; 64 GB, $599; and 128 GB, $699. Pricing for Wi-Fi + Cellular models; 16 GB, $629; 64 GB, $729; and 128 GB, $829.
Apple will begin taking preorders for the iPad Air 2 on Friday, Oct. 17, and will begin shipping the tablet next week.
