The latest iPad Air 2 leak ushers a bit more speculation that one might expect from a protective case.
G4Games has published the first set of photos of the next-generation Apple tablet's purported protective case - with a glaring hole. While the images do not reveal much about the rumored device, a small opening in the case next to the hole for the main camera has set off a new batch of rumors.
The publication notes that the cutout could mean several things, with one logical explanation being that the hole was required to make room for the device's microphone. Rumors also, however, suggest that the Air 2 could offer something like laser focus or LED flash, which no iPad has previously packed.
KGI securities analyst Ming Chi-Kuo recently tipped the Air 2 for a Touch ID fingerprint sensor, a full-lamination touch panel, a gold color option, anti-reflective screen coating and an Apple A8 processor.
The Air 2 will also reportedly pack 2GB of RAM, a number that doesn't necessarily sound great, but given Apple's "intelligently managed RAM usage," it's a healthy increase, according to AppleInsider.
The tablet has also been rumored for an 8-megapixel camera.
Bloomberg previously reported that special coating on the display, however, has unfortunately created manufacturing issues and held up production of the tablet, with "people with knowledge of the matter" informing them that the Air 2 will get a release date either by the end of this quarter or early in the next quarter. Apple is expected to hold another event in October to unveil the Air 2 and another iPad Mini, along with OS X Yosemite.
The publication added that the device may only be available in limited quantities due to manufacturing constraints.
The Air 2 is not believed to feature significant design changes, however, as Apple basically gave its larger iPad a new design and name last season with the arrival of the Air.
What do you make of the Air 2's purported case and mysterious opening? Let us in on your thinking with a relevant comment.
