Apple Suppliers Said to Be Ramping Up Component Production for Thinner, Faster iPad Air 2

Apple's supply chain partners have ramped up production for components to be used the company's upcoming second-generation iPad Air, reports Digitimes. Citing sources close to production, the report claims that the device will remained unchanged in terms of size and resolution, but will feature a thinner profile, faster processor, and an improved Touch ID fingerprint sensor.

ipad_air_touch_id_mockup

iPad Air 2 mockup with Touch ID home button

Apple has also called on touch panel suppliers TPK and GIS to manufacture full-lamination units for the device ahead of its launch this fall. The source also notes that Sharp, Japan Display, and LG Display have also seen their orders increase for the iPhone, likely indicating that Apple is now mass producing screens for the iPhone 6.

Previous leaks have also pointed to a thinner profile for the iPad Air 2, along with reports claiming that the device will feature anti-reflective coating, and an improved Touch ID sensor. It is also most certain that Apple will include a faster processor in the iPad Air 2, as the company will likely integrate its new A8 chip in the device.

Apple will likely launch the iPad Air 2 alongside the next-generation iPad mini with Retina display this fall. The company is also said to be preparing to launch a 12.9-inch iPad in early 2015.

Related Roundup: iPad
Buyer's Guide: iPad (Don't Buy)
Related Forum: iPad

Popular Stories

iphone 16 apple intelligence

Apple Aiming to Release 'Breakthrough' New iPhone Accessory

Wednesday February 18, 2026 12:43 pm PST by
Apple is looking for a "breakthrough" with its push into wearable AI devices, including an "AirTag-sized pendant," according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In a report this week, he said the pendant is reminiscent of the failed Humane AI Pin, but it would be an iPhone accessory rather than a standalone product. The pendant would feature an "always-on" camera and a microphone for Siri voice...
iphone 17 pro green

iPhone 17 Pro Max Curiously Becomes Most Traded-In Smartphone

Wednesday February 18, 2026 9:13 am PST by
New trade-in data indicates that Apple's iPhone 17 Pro Max has rapidly become the single most traded-in smartphone. According to a new report from SellCell, Apple's latest flagship iPhone has quickly risen to the top of the independent trade-in market, accounting for 11.5% of all devices appearing in the top-20 trade-in rankings just months after release. The analysis is based on SellCell...
Multicolored Low Cost A18 Pro MacBook Feature

Low-Cost MacBook Expected on March 4 in These Colors

Wednesday February 18, 2026 5:42 am PST by
Apple will announce its rumored low-cost MacBook at its event on March 4, with the device coming in a selection of bold color options, according to a known leaker. Earlier this week, Apple announced a "special Apple Experience" for the media in New York, London, and Shanghai, taking place on March 4, 2026 at 9:00am ET. Posting on Weibo, the leaker known as "Instant Digital" said that the...
CarPlay Liquid Glass Dark

iOS 26.4's New CarPlay Video Feature Shown in Action

Wednesday February 18, 2026 9:29 am PST by
Back at WWDC 2025, Apple revealed that it was planning to allow CarPlay users to watch video via AirPlay in their vehicles while they are not driving, and the first beta of iOS 26.4 suggests the feature may be nearing availability. There are several new references to CarPlay video streaming functionality within the iOS 26.4 beta's source code. The feature is not yet visible to users, but...
Dynamic Island iPhone 18 Pro Feature

10 Reasons to Wait for Apple's iPhone 18 Pro

Wednesday February 18, 2026 5:12 am PST by
Apple's iPhone development roadmap runs several years into the future and the company is continually working with suppliers on several successive iPhone models at the same time, which is why we often get rumored features months ahead of launch. The iPhone 18 series is no different, and we already have a good idea of what to expect for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. One thing worth...

Top Rated Comments

150 months ago
FFS Apple it's thin enough right now!

It's not thin enough until the camera sticks out.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
150 months ago
We can all agree that thinner and lighter still is welcome on the iPad. The Air was a huge improvement in that area.

But on the iPhone it isn't. Maybe in bigger models, but the 4" is thinner and lighter enough. Battery is more important.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
japanime Avatar
150 months ago
Thickness-challenged?

This is definitely the iPad I'm upgrading to from the iPad 3.
TouchID here I come.
If your experience is like mine, you're going to love TouchID.

I was skeptical at first, and really didn't think TouchID would make any difference in how I used my iOS devices. But after I bought an iPhone 5s, unlocking my iPad mini seems like such a chore.

(Yes, I know, it's a First World problem. But nonetheless...)
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
150 months ago
Thinner? Started to doubt the 2gb of RAM we all want. Prove me wrong, Apple!
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JeffyTheQuik Avatar
150 months ago
I can't wait for the iPad Air 5, which will be thinner than a sheet of paper...:eek:
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
150 months ago
ipad desperately needs at least 2 GB of rom upgrade, anything else is just waste of money...
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)