Apple Online Store, AT&T, Verizon Begin Taking Preorders For iPad Air 2 And iPad Mini 3

Apple’s online store began accepting preorders for the new iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 from customers in 29 countries and territories Friday, while AT&T and Verizon also started taking preorders for the new flagship tablets from U.S. consumers earlier that day.

The latest versions of Apple’s popular iPad, which were announced at a media event in Cupertino, California on Thursday, are scheduled to be released later next week in major markets, including the U.S., Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong and the U.K. Availability of the new devices in other countries will be announced later this month, followed by additional global availability in the coming months, according to Apple.

Users can visit Apple’s online store here and make their reservations for one of the new iPad Air 2 or iPad mini 3 models. According to Apple, the company will start shipping the devices “later next week,” with estimated delivery times for both new tablets are listed as two to four business days. The iPad Air 2 starts at $499, while the iPad mini 3 has an entry price of $399.

In addition to Apple, two of the major carriers in the U.S. -- AT&T and Verizon -- are also accepting preorders for the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3, with both network providers charging $529.99 and $429.99 for the 16GB models of the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3, respectively with a two-year contract.

Here are the links:

AT&T: iPad Air 2, iPad mini 3

Verizon: iPad Air 2, iPad mini 3

According to T-Mobile, pre-orders for new iPads will begin on its website on Oct. 22, while Sprint is yet to announce any specific date.

The key specifications of the iPad Air 2 include 18 percent thinner form factor, an anti-reflective laminated display, an improved camera and a faster A8X processor. The new iPad mini 3, which comes with the same design as the previous model, is also available in a gold-color option. Both the devices also feature Apple's Touch ID fingerprint sensor.

For more details about the specs and features of the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3, click here.