Apple’s Next-Gen iPad Air Rumored To Feature A8 Chip And 8MP Camera

Apple Inc.’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) next-generation iPad model, dubbed the “iPad Air 2,” is rumored to feature an improved camera and a faster processor, according to a new report, which also stated that the production of the device is likely to begin this month.

The upcoming iteration of the iPad Air is likely to have a 9.7-inch Retina LCD display with a resolution of 2048x1536 pixels, the same form factor that Apple introduced with the original iPad Air last year, ETNews, a Korean news website, reported Wednesday, adding that LG Display Co Ltd. (NYSE:LPL) is likely to begin production of the tablet’s displays sometime this month while Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd (KRX:005935) and Sharp Corporation (TYO:6753) are expected to begin production in July.

While Apple is not likely to make changes to the new iPad model's design this year, the device is expected to sport a 8-megapixel rear camera, compared to the 5-megapixel camera found in the current version of the device.

In addition, the new iPad Air could also sport a faster A8 processor, which could improve the device’s performance and battery life. The chip could also help the Touch ID fingerprint sensor, which is expected to be included in the new iPad Air, MacRumors reported.

Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst at KGI Securities, recently said in a new research note that Apple could include the Touch ID feature across all new non-iPod iOS devices in 2014, including the iPhone 6, the iPad Air 2 and the iPad mini 3 with Retina display.

Some previous reports also said that Taiwan Semiconductor Mfg. Co. Ltd. (NYSE:TSM) had already provided the first batch of Touch ID fingerprint sensors that would be used in the iPhone 6, iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3.

If Apple sticks to its traditional release schedule, the new iPad Air could hit the market sometime in September or October.