iPadApple is prepping for its launch of the iPad Air 2 and the iPad Mini 3, which will be released Oct. 16, International Business Times reported.

 

However, the new device is stirring some rumors after supposed leaked photos hit the Web and had Apple enthusiasts trying to decipher the added features. The Michael Report, a technology blog, said it has received the first images of the iPad Air 2, and users can expect a "fully laminated display," which is the same as the iPhone.

 

With the new display, the updated iPads are likely to be even thinner than the current iPad Air. According to the report, the newest model will be roughly 0.5 millimeters thinner, which would make it the slimmest device in the tablet market.

 

Some of the other speculations on the iPad Air 2 include a reconfigured speaker grill, sunken volume buttons and a repositioned microphone, the source reported. Earlier rumors said the new device would have gold as a color option, and the recent report backs that claim.

 

Larger on-board memory
One of the rumors that could be attractive to new buyers is the larger hard drive and on-board memory storage for the iPad Air 2, International Business Times reported. The new tablet is expected to bump up its hard drive from 16 gigabytes (GB) to 32GB on the basic model.

However, the price is not expected to go up for the bonus amount of storage and will remain at $499 for the 32GB model. The iPad Mini 3 is forecasted to keep its 16GB on the basic model and will cost $399.

 

Updated cameras and touch ID
The newest iPads are also expected to follow suit with the latest iPhone models and feature a touch ID fingerprint scanner on the home button, which has been lacking on previous models. Additionally, the iPad Air 2 will likely have a better camera to match the iPhone. The bump will be from a 5 megapixel (MP) to an 8MP camera, GSM Arena reported.

 

The iPads will feature front-facing cameras that will be able to run 720p video for FaceTime calls. With the release of the new iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3 coming up, users should consider investing in personal insurance for their tablet to protect their devices in case they are ever lost, stolen or damaged.