The first images of the iPad Air 2's alleged internal components have surfaced via French language blog iPhonote.
The shots, which show multiple flex cables, were obtained by the blog from an anonymous source with Shenzhen parts supplier connections. After examining the photos, the alleged GPS antenna appears to feature minor changes in the metal shielding structure despite featuring the same shape as the part in the current Air, AppleInsider reports. The photos also show purported flex cables for a redesigned microphone and an unknown grounded interconnect, according to the publication.
The Air 2 will reportedly pack 2GB of RAM, a number that doesn't necessarily sound great, but given Apple's "intelligently managed RAM usage," it's a healthy increase, according to AppleInsider.
Meanwhile, the report adds that the second-generation Mini with Retina Display (also dubbed the Mini 3) will only feature 1GB of RAM, like its predecessor. The current Air also features 1GB of RAM.
The next iPad Air will also pack an anti-glare display designed for easier reading, Bloomberg reports.
The special coating on the display, however, has unfortunately created manufacturing issues and held up production of the tablet. Bloomberg reports that "people with knowledge of the matter" have informed them that the "Air 2" will get a release date either by the end of this quarter or early in the next quarter.
The publication adds that the device may only be available in limited quantities due to manufacturing constraints.
The still-unannounced tablet's display may not be an IGZO, however, as previously rumored.
Instead, it appears the following Air model, the Air 3, will take the second-gen's place as the first iPad to pack an IGZO when it likely releases in 2015. IGZO displays are lauded for their viewing angles due to their improved color accuracy and efficiency compared to current LCD displays, Geeky Gadgets notes.
The Air 2 will reportedly not offer the IGZO due to low yields on the displays coming from Sharp, who is providing them for the device.
The Air 2 is believed to feature the same design as its predecessor, but will reportedly come equipped with a new Apple A8 chip (compared to the A7 in the Air), a better 8MP camera and Touch ID fingerprint security.
