Apple iPad 2 Air Is Here, Orders Start Next Week, Available in Gold

There is a new iPad Air from Apple, and you guessed it, it's called the iPad Air 2. They've updated the processor, cameras, wireless and all the while managed to slim it down by a hair or two.

The iPad 2 Air measures 6.1mm thick. By comparison, the previous version was 7.5mm in fatness. It might sound moot, and to some it will be. But for those that want thin, this is it. They've also shaved off some weight, though just .04 pound over the first iPad Air (WiFi version).

Display wise things are identical, at least spec wise (2048-by-1536 - 264ppi). However, Apple says they've started fresh, hoping to achieve better colors and the least reflective display of 'any tablet'.

There is also a new chip, the A8X, which boasts 2.5 faster graphics and 40% faster processing by comparison to the first iPad Air. With that comes a 10 hour battery life, though that's under ideal conditions.

Finally, as in we've all been waiting for it to happen, Apple has added their Touch ID. Two 'amazing cameras' also join the iPad Air 2. The new iSight camera - it's apparently a new sensor - can capture 8MP photos, 1080HD video, time-lapse video, 120fps slow-mo video and high resolution panoramas.

Less exciting, is a new WiFi setup that can purportedly garner much faster speeds (up to 866 Mbps). They've also updated the tech on the LTE version, which also boasts new speeds up to 150 Mbps, a 50% increase over the first iPad Air. And finally (yes for real this time) you can get the iPad Air 2 in Gold.

Availability? You can order one online as early as October 17th, with pricing starting at $499 for the 16GB model. Add $130 for an LTE version.