Apple is reportedly preparing to introduce new tablet models from its iPad line within this year.
Based on new rumors, these include the iPad Mini 4, iPad Air 4 and iPad Pro.
According to Venture Capital Post, the Cupertino-based tech giant will unveil these new devices sometime in fall of this year. There are no details yet regarding the exact dates of their launch.
Citing a report from the Latinos Post, the site noted that the iPad Mini 4 will resemble the iPad Air 2 in terms of its design. Like the latter, the upcoming iPad model will have a thickness of just 6.1 mm.
The site also noted that the iPad Mini 4 will come with an 8-megapixel rear camera and an upgraded processor. In addition, Apple will reportedly coat its display with an anti-reflective fully laminated material to provide optimal viewing experience even when the device is being used under bright light conditions.
As for the iPad Pro, various sources noted that it will be bigger than its predecessor with a display size of 12.9 inches. As reported by Tech Times, it might also come with a stylus pen equipped with a built-in camera.
According to the news site, Apple recently filed a patent for a specially designed stylus pen. This accessory will feature a camera sensor on its tip which will allow users to scan the surface of various objects.
These scanned images will then be displayed through the tablet's screen with a representation of the surface's texture.
"The stylus includes an image sensing and captive device to permit a surface to be scanned using the stylus and in image may be stored and displayed on an electronic device to represent the texture of the scanned surface," Apple wrote in the patent document.
The iPad Air 3, on the other hand, will not feature any significant design changes, according to Christian Today. This means the upcoming slate will still look like the iPad Air 2 and could also end up looking a bit like the iPad Mini 4.
Despite the similarity in terms of appearance, the iPad Air 3 will be powered by an upgraded processor, which could possibly be the new A9 chipset.
Given that these three devices will be unveiled as new models from Apple's iPad family, they will most likely come with the iOS 9 operating system. However, this is still uncertain since Apple has not yet addressed rumors regarding these devices.
