iPad Air 2 Specs Dubbed 'Real Game Changer'

Apple's next-generation iPad Air won't be overshadowed by the iPhone 6, and iWatch or any other iDevice this fall when its expected to release, AppAdvice reports.

The Air 2 will reportedly be a significant enough upgrade to attract fans of the first Apple tablet and plenty of other consumers thanks to an A8 chip that will mean a "reasonable performance boost in the CPU and a fairly strong boost in the graphics unit," and support for 4K ultra-high definition TV, according to Seeking Alpha:

"This upcoming standard is working its way into both the professional monitor space and beginning to become available as TV sets. The iPad will need more GPU clusters if it is to deal with the upgraded output. A bump to 4K support for external displays would be very positive."

However, the publication adds that Apple's new Metal API could be "the most exciting and influential feature" to debut on the Air 2 and the rumored Mini 3.

See Also: iPad Air 2 Leaks In New Photo With Close-Up Shot Of Touch ID

According to ETNews, the Air 2 will feature the same design as its predecessor, but will come equipped with a new Apple A8 chip (compared to the A7 in the Air) and a better 8MP camera. ETNews also claims production of the tablet's display entered production in the middle of June, while other major parts, including the camera module, will be ready for production next month.

The A8 chip will allegedly bring with it a 50 percent increase in performance, iClarified notes. The device's display, meanwhile, will be made by LG, Samsung and Sharp, with the former being the first to start making the displays, which will reportedly be a 9.7-inch LCD with the same resolution (2048x1536) as the current Air.

Well-connected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities believes that the Air 2 will release earlier this year than its predecessor did last year (November), likely coming out in late Q3 instead of Q4, according to a recent research note from the analyst obtained by Apple Insider.

Kuo also offered up specs expectations for the device, suggesting that Apple will include an A8 chip built by TSMC, Touch ID fingerprint security and an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera.