Apple iPad Air 2 Could Be Joined By Retina iPad Mini 2 On Thursday; Retina MacBook Air Unlikely

Apple’s upcoming iPad Air 2, which is widely expected to be unveiled at a company event Thursday, could be accompanied by the next-generation iPad mini with Retina display, a report claimed Monday. While the two new iPads are expected to be the center of attention, Apple’s new Retina MacBook Air could miss Thursday’s show, according to another report.

Taiwan’s Commercial Times had reported last month that the launch of the 7.9-inch Retina iPad mini could be delayed until early 2015, prior to the announcement of the highly-anticipated 12.9-inch “iPad Pro.” However, a new report from Japan’s Mac Otakara has claimed that the iPad mini 2 with Retina display will indeed make an appearance alongside the iPad Air 2 at the company’s event on Thursday.

In addition to the new iPad mini, Apple is also expected to introduce the Smart Cover and Smart Case line-up in new colors and an updated design compatible with the latest tablets, MacRumors reported, citing the Mac Otakara report.

According to rumors, the Retina iPad mini 2 could feature a Touch ID fingerprint sensor and an updated A8 processor, while the iPad Air 2 is rumored to sport a more powerful A8X processor, 2GB of RAM, enhanced Touch ID and a new gold color option.

Following reports claiming that Apple has started small-scale production of a new 12-inch Retina MacBook Air, many believe that the company could introduce the device at Thursday's event. But, a report from Re/Code said Monday that the device may not be unveiled at the event. The report also supported ongoing rumors that the event will instead focus on new iPads, Retina iMacs, and OS X Yosemite.

Apple sent out invitations for the event -- with the tagline “It's been way too long” -- last week. The event is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. EDT at Apple’s Cupertino, California, corporate campus.