Apple continues to follow a tradition with its launch events, as its online store is currently offline just hours before the tech giant is expected to hold an unveiling event for its new line of iPads.
The Cupertino, Calif.-based company removed the Apple Store at approximately 5:30 a.m. PT on Thursday, and the launch event is set to start at 10 a.m. PT, according to CNET. In addition to new iPads, fans are expecting to see the unveiling of new and improved Macs.
While iPads are rumored to be the main focus, Apple's new tablets are also expected to get attention, since a preview was accidently released for the devices in advance. The store going down comes just one day after screenshots of the upcoming iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3 were posted unintentionally, in an official user guide, to the company's iOS 8 operating system for iBooks in the iTunes Store. These images were replaced soon afterwards with screenshots of the current iPad Air and iPad Mini with Retina Display.
The photos on the user guide show that the new iPads come with Touch ID fingerprint scanners, CNET reported.
iPads make up around 15 to 20 percent of Apple's revenue, which makes the devices the second most successful product for the company. Macs currently make up 15 percent of Apple's revenue, but they add variety to the company's product line.
Other unveilings are expected to take place at Thursday's event, such as that of Apple's new OS X Yosemite operating system, CNET reported. There is also the possibility that the company will discuss its Apple Pay mobile payments system.
The Apple Store is expected to come back online during or shortly after the event.
