iPad Air 2, iPad Mini 3 Release Date, Specs Rumors: ID Fingerprint Sensors for Fall 2014

The eagerly-awaited release of the next-gen tablets from Apple, which are expected to be branded as the iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3, could be coming as early as this Fall, and once again are expected to sell like hot cakes. Many retailers recently cut the price on existing models of the iPads and that has given a clear indication that the new devices are just months away.

Recently, H. H. Grey offered the iPad Air as well as the iPad Mini with Retina display at a discounted price. The retailer is offering the iPad Air 16 GB for only $459.99, down from the original price $499.99. It is also offering the 32 GB and G4 GB models at discounted prices.

Similarly, Best Buy is also offering price cuts on the recent versions of the Apple tablets. It is offering up to $100 discount on the original price of Wi-Fi only iPad Mini Retina and iPad Air.

Rumors about the specs and features of the new devices have also been churning out across the Internet. Recent reports assert that the upcoming iPad 2 as well as iPad Mini 3 are likely to come with Touch ID fingerprint sensors, following the iPhone 5S.

A latest report in cecb2b.com says that a Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturing company supplying Apple has already manufactured the first consignment of Touch ID fingerprint sensors for the forthcoming iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3.

While this report does not offer any clues regarding the actual release date of the forthcoming devices, it said that the American tech giant based in Cupertino, California, will reveal its forthcoming iPad models within months.

Many rumors online predict that iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3 will be launched this fall. However, Apple is unlikely to launch its 12.9-inch iPad Pro and the waterproof version of iPad Air in 2014, according to some sources in the know.

Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst with KGI Securities, who is credited with a number of successful predictions in the past, said the updated iPad Air as well as Retina iPad Mini will be launched this year and the devices will sport the Touch ID features.

She said, "We think the upgraded iPad Air will be launched earlier in 2014 than the iPad Air was in 2013. The biggest changes will be A8 processor, Touch ID (fingerprint recognition), and main camera resolution of 8MP. We previously thought Apple would not release a new version of the iPad mini this year, but we now think Apple will launch an upgraded version with same form factor, A8 processor and Touch ID (fingerprint recognition) to boost shipments of iPad mini with Retina display."