Alleged 'Perfect Replica' of iPad Air 2 Shows Touch ID, Recessed Volume Buttons, New Speaker Grille

While Apple is widely expected to expand use of its Touch ID fingerprint sensor to the iPad Air and iPad mini later this year, new photos of an alleged "perfect replica" of the second-generation iPad Air shared by Nowhereelse.fr [Google Translate] hint that there may be a few additional changes in store for the device.

ipad_air_2_replica_touch_id
The replica, which is making the rounds in China and Japan, unsurprisingly depicts a Touch ID home button for the device, but also shows some tweaks to physical features around the edges of the device, including a new speaker grille with a single row of larger holes on each side of the Lightning port as opposed to the current double row of smaller holes on the iPad.

ipad_air_2_replica_speaker
Another difference lies in the volume buttons which are shown slightly recessed into the edge of the case, compared to the current design that sees buttons protruding slightly from a flush holes machines in the device's shell. Nowhereelse.fr mentions that the mute switch is also missing, although there is a small hole where the feature is usually located. Unfinished protoype and mockup parts sometimes feature these pilot holes to guide machining of the final hole.

ipad_air_2_replica_volume
Updated iPads are expected to launch later this year, with October being Apple's usual timeframe for such launches over the past couple of years. The latter part of 2014 is expected to be a busy one for Apple, with rumors of launches for the iPhone 6, new iPads, the iWatch, and perhaps some Mac updates such as the company's rumored 12-inch Retina MacBook Air.

Related Roundup: iPad
Buyer's Guide: iPad (Caution)
Related Forum: iPad

Top Rated Comments

WildCowboy Avatar
124 months ago
MR really needs to learn to use words other than "alleged" to describe every rumor. Even if the word didn't imply something illegal or undesirable (which it does), it still does not improve with constant repetition. The dictionary is full of words.

We'll try to mix in a few more purporteds and ostensibles.
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JustinePaula Avatar
124 months ago
Lopsided audio again, count me out. the audio on the ipad mini is terrible.

How hard can it be to have audio from 2 sides of the ipad?? Too hard for that designer at Apple!!:mad::mad::(
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Steviejobz Avatar
124 months ago
Looks beautiful. Count me in for one.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mdridwan47 Avatar
124 months ago
When will Apple introduce front facing speakers ? :mad:
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mbh Avatar
124 months ago
That lightning port looks far from "perfect".
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
b3ats Avatar
124 months ago
I wish Apple would stop releasing everything in Q4, it makes buying their products a nightmare and nigh on impossible.

I'm currently in the market to replace my iPad 3, Nexus 5 (with an iPhone) and purchase an iWatch (if and when it's released).

If a Retina iMac was announced I may be tempted to replace my Late 2012 27" iMac also.

Money money money. Ahhhhhhh!
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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