Bloomberg reports that Apple’s suppliers are gearing up for production on the next-generation iPad Air and iPad mini models. The publication says production for the iPad Air 2 is underway, and the 9.7-inch tablet will debut sometime late in the third quarter or early in the fourth quarter. Production of the 7.9-inch Retina iPad mini 2 is said to be ready to kickoff soon.
August production dates for both tablets are in line with rumors that have suggested the new iPads will be unveiled at a fall event (possibly October) that follows Apple’s September 9 iPhone event.
The report notes that the iPad Air 2 may see some manufacturing issues that restrict available supply at first, due to a new anti-reflection coating for the tablet’s screen, intended to make the device’s screen easier to read.
The iPad Air 2, and Retina iPad mini 2 are both expected to retain their current form factors, with minor design tweaks such as a changed speaker grille with larger holes and a set of recessed volume buttons for the second-generation iPad Air. The tablets are also expected to receive upgraded processors, and Touch ID fingerprint sensors.
