Apple today introduced iPad Air 2, the thinnest and most powerful iPad ever. Now just 6.1 mm thin and weighing less than a pound, iPad Air 2 features an improved Retina® display for enhanced contrast and richer, more vibrant colors, and better cameras for taking stunning photos and videos. Available in gold, silver and space gray, the new iPad Air 2 and iPad mini™ 3 offer Touch ID™ so users can unlock their iPad with just the touch of a finger and make purchases easily and securely within apps using Apple Pay™.¹
“iPad is a magical piece of glass that runs more than 675,000 apps specifically designed for it, and is thin and light enough that you can comfortably hold it all day; the new iPad Air 2 is packed with amazing new innovations, weighs less than a pound, and at just 6.1 mm is the thinnest tablet in the world,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “iPad Air 2 has a new Retina display with anti-reflective coating, second generation 64-bit A8X chip, all-new iSight and FaceTime HD cameras, faster Wi-Fi and LTE wireless, and includes the revolutionary Touch ID fingerprint identity sensor.”
Engineered for unmatched portability and ease of use, iPad Air 2 offers a beautiful, precision unibody enclosure of anodized aluminum for durability and a solid feel. The improved Retina display features a fully-laminated design that brings images and content closer to the user’s fingertips, resulting in an even more personal and intimate experience. A custom-designed anti-reflective coating reduces glare by 56 percent² for a clearer display in the office, the classroom or outdoors.
iPad Air 2 is powered by the new Apple-designed A8X chip, which delivers a 40 percent improvement in CPU performance and 2.5 times the graphics performance of iPad Air, and still delivers the up to 10-hour battery life³ users expect while working, playing games or surfing the web. Combined with Metal™, the new graphics technology in iOS 8, the A8X chip unlocks realistic visual effects comparable to the most advanced gaming consoles. iPad Air 2 also includes the M8 motion coprocessor that gathers motion data from the accelerometer, gyroscope, compass and an all-new barometer which senses air pressure to provide relative elevation.
Innovations to the iSight® and FaceTime® HD cameras in iPad Air 2 enable better photos and videos, with an 8MP sensor and advanced optics in the iSight camera to help capture rich, detailed images and add new features including panoramic in Photos, time-lapse video, slo-mo and 1080p HD video. The FaceTime HD camera now captures over 80 percent more light than iPad Air’s camera, and features burst mode as well as HDR stills and video. With thousands of powerful apps that take advantage of iPad’s amazing cameras and large Retina display viewfinder, iPad becomes a tool that can scan and annotate documents, help study the sky above and provide athletic performance analysis—all with just a tap.
iPad Air 2 delivers faster connectivity with 802.11ac Wi-Fi with Multiple-In-Multiple-Out (MIMO) technology for 2.8 times the Wi-Fi performance of iPad Air at data rates up to 866 Mbps.⁴ iPad Air 2 with Wi-Fi + Cellular integrates even more LTE bands and comes with expanded LTE for up to 50 percent faster cellular connections,⁵ plus support for other fast cellular technology around the world (DC-HSDPA, HSPA+).
Touch ID gives iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 users a simple and secure way to unlock iPad with just the touch of a finger, plus the ability to authenticate within apps to better protect logins and data. Touch ID can be used as a secure way to approve purchases from the App Store℠, iTunes Store® or iBooks Store℠, and with Apple Pay, when paying for physical goods and services within apps.
The new iPads come with iOS 8.1 including Continuity features across iOS 8 and OS X® Yosemite that enable all your Apple products to work together seamlessly. Handoff lets you start an activity on one device and pass it to another, and when your iPhone® is on the same Wi-Fi network, you can make and receive phone calls right from your iPad.
The iPad mini line has been updated to include iPad mini 3 with Touch ID and iPad mini with Retina display, now called iPad mini 2 and starting at just $299, is even more affordable. Both iPads feature a stunning Retina display, amazing A7 chip, 5MP iSight camera, FaceTime HD camera and ultrafast wireless. iPad mini is also available at its most affordable price, starting at $249.
Pricing & Availability
iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 come in three gorgeous metallic finishes including gold, silver and space gray, and customers in 29 countries and territories can order online beginning Friday, October 17. Both iPads will be available starting later next week in the US, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China (Wi-Fi models only), Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macau (Wi-Fi models only), Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK. Availability in Croatia, Greece, Puerto Rico, Russia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and elsewhere around the world, will continue through the end of October with additional global availability in the coming months. iPads are sold through the Apple Online Store (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and through AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, additional carriers and select Apple Authorized Resellers.
iPad Air 2 with Wi-Fi models will be available for a suggested retail price of $499 (US) for the 16GB model, $599 (US) for the 64GB model and $699 (US) for the 128GB model. iPad Air 2 with Wi-Fi + Cellular models will be available for a suggested retail price of $629 (US) for the 16GB model, $729 (US) for the 64GB model and $829 (US) for the 128GB model. iPad mini 3 with Wi-Fi models will be available for a suggested retail price of $399 (US) for the 16GB model, $499 (US) for the 64GB model and $599 (US) for the 128GB model. iPad mini 3 with Wi-Fi + Cellular models will be available for a suggested retail price of $529 (US) for the 16GB model, $629 (US) for the 64GB model and $729 (US) for the 128GB model.
iPad Air, iPad mini 2 and iPad mini, available in silver or space gray, are offered at now more affordable prices. iPad Air starts at $399 (US) for the 16GB with Wi-Fi model, iPad mini 2 starts at $299 (US) for the 16GB with Wi-Fi model, and iPad mini starts at $249 (US) for the 16GB with Wi-Fi model.
To complement the new iPads, a colorful range of cases and covers offer both protection and customization with iPad Air and iPad mini Smart Covers available in seven bright colors and Smart Cases for iPad Air 2 and iPad mini offered in five new elegant shades. Custom-designed polyurethane Smart Covers for iPad Air and iPad mini will be available for a suggested retail price of $39 (US) in black, white, blue, green, pink, yellow and (RED). iPad Air 2 Smart Cases are available in beautiful aniline-dyed leather in midnight blue, olive brown, black, soft pink and (RED) for a suggested retail price of $79 (US) with Smart Cases for iPad mini available in those same colors at a suggested retail price of $69 (US). Smart Covers and Smart Cases are available through the Apple Online Store (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and select Apple Authorized Resellers.
¹ Apple Pay is only available in the US.
² Over the previous generation iPad Air.
³ Battery life depends on device settings, usage and other factors. Actual results may vary.
⁴ Based on theoretical speeds, actual speeds may vary.
⁵ LTE is available through select carriers. Network speeds are dependent on carrier networks. Check with your carrier for details.
Source: Apple Inc.
Very nice, but I think that just upgrading for touch ID is a waste. Unless you are in the market or a few gens back. I have the mini retina, so I don’t see the need yet.
Mini was not really the focus of the work this year; it was obviously the flagship Air. I was still hoping for a slightly bigger Air (perhaps 11 or 12 inches).
If you have an iPad Air then I could see your point, although a 40% increase in CPU throughput and a 2.5x increase in graphics speed is significant. Add in Touch ID and an improved laminated display with an anti-reflective coating and it is even more attractive.
I have an iPad 3, so the iPad Air 2 is leaps ahead of it (although my iPad 3 is a perfectly fine and serviceable device). My son is getting a space gray 64GB iPad 2 as soon as they are released. I will have to wait, but my iPad 3 is still great.
As you stated, the iPad mini is not nearly nearly as attractive an upgrade. Old CPU, etc. unless you really want Touch ID or can get a good deal when selling your old mini, a year-over-year upgrade is hard to justify.
iPad mini 3 HAS AN A7 CHIP!!!!!!
WTF!!!! I was all set to buy the new version, but why would I pay extra for last years chip? This is very disappointing. Now I’m thinking of taking the same money and buy the 16gb iPad air2, but i really didn’t want that size
after a few minutes of thought. looks like I may just buy the iPad mini 2. but this still pisses me off, cause i could have bought one months ago. I’d love to have the A8X chip but I just don’t want that size of iPad
one month ago the iPad mini 2 (then called the iPad mini w/Retina) was $399.
I agree that the iPad mini 3 just isn’t worth it for touch Id alone.
You saved $100 on the iPad mini 2 by waiting a few months. So it isn’t as if you got robbed or anything. I hoped to see the A8X in the mini 3, too, but I guess the A7 was more than sufficient to handle the mini display.
You know..
For the longest time I was saying i’ll get the Mini 3 as long as it has Touch ID (to replace my iPad 3)
The mini having the A7 instead of the A8 (no change from the Mini retina)
I think I may just get the Air 2 now.
That seems reasonable to me. But I recommend studying the IPad mini 3 carefully to make sure that there isn’t anything else that warrants the extra $100.
I figure that Apps will continue to get better and use more of the CPU.. Games only get better.
My luck, the best game to ever come out on iOS, will require the A8. And it will drop the day after I get the iPad mini 3..
Not going to replace my iPad yearly. (Nothing wrong with that, but i’m not going to do it.)
I pretty much replace my iPhone yearly.. I don’t need to do it on the iPad as well.
So.. Buy the Air 2 and be happy for 2-3 years.
or.. Buy the Mini 3 and replace it probably next year when they do drop the A8 in it.
But we will probably have the A9 by then… Vicious cycle Apple.
The $100 doesn’t bother me
Air’s size is much smaller than the current iPad 3 I have.. so thats a plus.
Dude there’s not to be any game that requires an A8 anytime soon.
I’m saying WITH MY LUCK.
and i’m going to have it for 2-3 years before I upgrade anyway, so might as well get the newer CPU/GPU.
Hey isn’t Elevation a U2 song. The hipsters will revolt!
So, they are charging $100 for TouchID and the choice of gold, otherwise the mini appears the same. They will sell many of the $299 mini’s as a result, and the $349 32 GB version will also be attractive. At $249 the original mini will attract few buyers unless there are sales at Walmart, Target, etc. at $199.
The 64GB Air 2 will be the sweet spot for most buyers, giving Apple more revenue per device and offsetting a declining growth rate.
this is such a letdown
go to this page and compare iPad mini 2 & 3. the only thing different is the 3 has touch id. why would I spend $100 more for 16gb model just for touch ID?
http://www.apple.com/ipad/compare/
I was hoping for an updated Apple TV. I need a third one and was waiting for it to get a hardware bump. 🙁
same here.
I want to buy 2 more TV’s, 1 to replace my old TV 2.
been waiting for at least a year now..
Would love to see it back to the thickness of the original iPad with a battery that lasts the entire week. Oh well.
This is the iPad I’ve been waiting for. 😊
Yawn…watch those ipad sales slide further. That Dell Venue Pro 8 is looking better all the time.
Anyone think there may be a separate apple event just for the iPod line?
No. They’ll possibly update the specs, but won’t do it in an event.
Got to be the most boring update ever. Used to love Apple but this throws MS a lifeline. Upgrading to a Dell Venue Pro.
Hey cTempest… You forgot the /s
Maybe I missed something, but why would the maximum storage on these new iPads stop at 128GB?
So they can increase it in 2016 to 256GB and charge more, of course. 🙂
(Yawn) I’ll pass…
I am going to requisition an iPad Air 2…
The intro video, I thought the laser treatment to the pencil took too long. But it was cleaver enough. I think a samurai sword would have been better. 😛
So I’ll upgrade from iPad 3rd gen to the Air 2. Did they by chance say what time tomorrow they’ll start taking pre-orders?
The real question is: will it bend…? 😉
Super nice that it is even lighter and thinner and more responsive – of our we are talking about the new Air ……
Easy for me justify buying as wife and I pass our old iPads down to miss and grandkids ….. We will wait until Black Friday to buy, hopefully get little better price …..
Will get two Airs with 64 gig ….. Probably in gold as I like the wife’s new gold 6 but will visit Apple Store before ordering on line!
I own an Air and am enthusiastic about getting an Air 2. Also own mini Retina and will not be getting Touch ID mini Retina.
128GB GSM Space Gray Air 2. Also just got my 128GB GSM ATT Space Gray 6 Plus.
iPad Air 2 now available for purchase. Just bought the gold/64GB/WiFi. Ships in two days, delivered Oct 24 – 28.