The much-anticipated new line of iPads finally made their debut at Apple's launch event Thursday.
The first of this new line of devices is the 6.1mm-thick iPad Air 2, which is not only 18 percent thinner than its predecessor, but the thinnest iPad to date, according to Mac Rumors. The original iPad is thicker than two iPad Air 2s stacked on top of each other.
Additional features of the iPad Air 2 include an 8MP iSight camera for taking photos and recording videos, an M8 processor, a 2.4 aperture, 1080p HD video, and an image signal processor designed by Apple. The tech giant covered the device's screen so it wouldn't have an air gap. This is intended to reduce the internal reflection for a sharper image and thinner display. The device also comes with an A8X chip, 3 billion transistors, 40 percent faster CPU and 2.5x faster GPU.
The new iPad Air also makes tablet history by being the first to come with a new anti-reflective coating, which reduces reflection by 56 percent, Mac Rumors reported.
The 8-megapixel iSight camera lets users shoot videos in slow motion. The FaceTime camera on the front comes with a 2.2 aperture (larger than the previous version), better face detection, and 81 percent more light. This camera also comes with faster Wi-Fi connection and faster LTE connection.
One new feature that Apple fans have been requesting is the Touch ID fingerprint sensor, which the company knew to include in its new iPad Air, according to Mac Rumors. The device also has a battery life of 10 hours.
The iPad Air 2 comes in three colors (silver, space gray, and gold), and will be available next week for $499 (16GB), $599 (64GB) and $699 (128GB) for the Wi-Fi versions. The cellular versions of the device will be available for $629, $729 and $829, respectively.
The event also saw the unveiling of the iPad mini 3, which also comes with the Touch ID fingerprint sensor and will be available in silver, space gray and gold. The Wi-Fi versions of the new iPad mini cost $399 (16GB), $499 (64GB) and $599 (128GB), and the cellular versions cost $529, $629 and $729, respectively, Mac Rumors reported.
Apple fans can pre-order the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 starting Friday, and shipping will begin next week.
The launch event also featured the introduction of several other new products, such as the new iMac lineup and the new and improved OS X Yosemite operating system. New features in Yosemite include extensions, a new dock, a Notification Center, and Safari. With the new Yosemite, Apple customers will be able to send text messages on any device, as well as make and receive calls with their Macs.
OS X Yosemite is available now for free at the Mac App Store. iOS 8.1 will be available for free starting Monday, and will feature support for Apple Play.
