iPad Air2020 can get huge Touch ID upgrade

iPad Air2020 can get huge Touch ID upgrade

Apple may release a new iPad Air with a fingerprint reader under the display by the end of the year, in addition to a number of new gadgets.

This is according to a relatively reliable tech leaker named @L0vetodream (via MacRumors), who details a number of upcoming Apple products. These include the aforementioned devices, the so-called AirPods X headphones, and four iPhone 12 models, including the "iPhone 12 Lite."

Let's start with the new iPad Air. An anonymous Twitter user noted that it will feature a mini LED display that takes up the entire front of the tablet, without a notch for the Face ID camera or Touch ID-enabled home button.

Rather, Touch ID will be facilitated by a fingerprint scanner below the display, meaning the next iPad Air could look a bit like the iPad Pro 2020, only without the camera for Face ID on the side bezel. This is the same type of fingerprint reader that is sometimes rumored to be included in the iPhone 12.

Given that the iPad Air and other non-Pro iPads have had a relatively outdated design with a home button and chunky bezels, a proper redesign is in order. And an iPad with smaller bezels would be a better tablet for gaming.

Speaking of which, @L0vetodream stated that Apple is developing its own game controller. The Twitter user did not mention whether the controller is for a specific platform, such as Mac, iOS, or Apple TV, or whether it will come with future Apple products.

The 12-inch MacBook is another interesting product noted by the leaker. However, if Apple were to make a MacBook with an ARM-based chip (which the company's iPhones and all Android phones use), Cupertino engineers could create a lightweight, energy-efficient 12" designed to run for hours and hours on end. MacBook could be developed.

Such a MacBook could be a macOS version of a Chromebook or an Always Connected, low-power Windows 10 machine with an ARM-based Qualcomm Snapdragon chip.

Other products mentioned by @L0vertodream include the already available iPad Pro 2020 and the iPhone 9, which is actually the iPhone SE 2020.

Leeker also mentioned that Apple is working on HomePod Lite, which is speculated to be a scaled-down version of the original HomePod, and Mac mini, which is expected to be a simple spec refresh. In addition to this, AirPods 3 and AirPods X will be announced. They are expected to be the successor to the AirPods 2 and a lower-priced version of Apple's headphones, respectively.

Finally, the leaker also mentions the expected refresh of the 13-inch MacBook Pro 2020 and iMac 2020. The former is expected to follow in the footsteps of Apple's latest MacBooks and adopt the Magic Keyboard found on the new MacBook Air and 16-inch MacBook Pro.

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