iPad Air 2 Launch Nears As Apple Issues Invitations For Oct. 16 Event; 2GB RAM, Touch ID Expected

Apple is holding a special media event next week, when the company is expected to introduce new iPad models, including the iPad Air 2 and the third-generation iPad mini with Retina display. On Wednesday, the company sent out invitations to the media with the tagline: “It's been way too long.”

At the event, which is scheduled to kick start at 1 p.m. EDT at Apple’s Cupertino, California, corporate campus on Oct. 16, Apple is expected to unveil new models of iPads and Macs, while also introducing OS X Yosemite, the company’s next-generation Mac operating system, The Loop reported.

Although Apple provided no clues as to what the company will introduce next week, new iPads are expected to be the center of attraction at the event, as the Cupertino technology giant has used the month of October in recent years to announced new iPad models. Apple introduced the iPad Air and the second-generation iPad mini on Oct. 22 last year.

According to current rumors, the iPad Air 2 is likely to feature 2GB RAM and the Touch ID fingerprint sensor, which is currently found only on the iPhone. In addition, the new iPad Air is also expected to be powered by the same A8 processor, which is currently featured in the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.

On Thursday, GeekBar, a third-party Apple service provider, took to Weibo to share a picture of what is claimed to be a 2GB Elpida RAM module for the iPad Air 2. The leaked component was similar to the 1GB Elpida DDR3 SDRAM, which is included in the current iPad Air, MacRumors reported, adding that Apple is also rumored to be working on split-screen multitasking functionality for the new iPad Air.

On Wednesday, Vietnamese blog Tinhte.vn posted a series of photos of what is said to be the thinner chassis for the iPad Air 2. The photos suggested that the new iPad Air could sport the Touch ID fingerprint scanner and recessed volume buttons similar to those on the new iPhones.

The photos, however, did not show the mute switch on the side, prompting fresh speculation that Apple could have removed the button for the sake of the device’s thinner form factor, iDownloadBlog reported.

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