Apple iPad Air 2, iPad Mini 3 Release Date Rumors, Leaked Photos

Jul 11, 2014 12:36 AM EDT

Photos leaks show Touch ID for both the Apple iPad Mini 3 and iPad Air 2, while rumored release dates point to later this year.  

Here is an update on the latest rumors for both devices.

iPad Mini 3

Two weeks ago, Taiwanese fan blog Apple.Club.TW, posted an image purported to be either the iPad Mini 3 or iPad 6. Not much detail was revealed apart from what looked like a Touch ID fingerprint scanner on the cover of the mystery device.

There has already been speculation that the iPad Mini 3 is coming with the same fingerprint technology of the rumored iPad Air 2. Even so, the validity of the photo remains in question. It can simply be a mock-up that bears little resemblance to the actual released device.

It is generally believed in the rumor mill that the iPad Mini 3 will be replacing the iPad Mini 2, which Apple officially calls the 'iPad Mini with Retina Display'.

Regarding the launch date, Apple has not confirmed a launch date even though rumors point to a probably debut in the third of fourth quarter of 2014.

iPad Air 2

The fabled iPad Air 2 is expected to be the follow-up to Apple's currently best-selling iPad Air tablet.

On June 17, Phone Arena leaked either photos of the iPad Air 2, which is also referred to as the iPad 6 within tech-gossip circles. Eight photos were released, showing Touch ID on the top as well as volume buttons on the side. Still, the report was quick to point out that the mobile device shown was possible a dummy.

This photo leak comes just a few days after South Korean news agency ET News claimed that 6.2 million LCD displays had entered initial production.

Just like the iPad Mini 3, it is possible that the iPad Air 2 will launch later this year. Also, Apple has not publically admitted to the existence of either the iPad Air 2 or iPad Mini 3. The tech giant tends not to announce devices under development until shortly before release.

Previous Apple tablets including the original iPad Air and iPad Mini were released in the month of November. Since Apple rarely deviates from its release cycle, it is not likely consumers will be seeing the newest iPad Air and iPad Mini versions earlier than fall 2014.

It was earlier speculated that both devices may be revealed at this year's WWDC developers' conference. Instead, Apple focused its energy on promoting the new iOS 8 software that is generally believed to be standard on all next-gen Apple hardware. In other words, both the iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3 will be getting the software.