Apple's iPad Air 2 might make its debut earlier than expected, according to KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who believes the new device will be on display at the tech giant's launch event on Sept. 9.
The device was originally expected to be unveiled in October, but now Kuo claims it will make an appearance at Tuesday's event and will come with several important new features, according to CNET. The statement was made in an investors note released on Thursday, and a copy was obtained by Apple Insider.
The Cupertino, California-based company is expected to launch several other products on Tuesday, such as the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch editions of the iPhone 6, as well as a wrist-worn wearable device.
Kuo said "only iPad Air 2 will see significant spec upgrades," adding that he believes the device will come with an anti-reflective screen coating, Apple Insider reported. Other included features are a full-lamination touch panel, a next-generation A8 processor and a new gold-colored casing.
A Touch ID fingerprint sensor was another feature Kuo said would be added into the next iPad Air, CNET reported. Apple added the sensor to its iPhone 5s last year.
There is a possibility that the new iPad mini will be updated with a Touch ID fingerprint sensor, but it may not receive many other updates, Kuo revealed.
The new iPad Air's unveiling next week would be a new move for Apple, since the company normally introduces new iPads in October, Apple Insider reported. The original iPad Air and second-generation iPad mini, which featured a Retina display, were unveiled at last year's event.
Apple's launch event on Tuesday begins at 10 a.m. Pacific, 1 p.m. Eastern, and will take place at the Flint Center in Cupertino.
