TouchID, A8 Processor Slated For 2014 iPads

According to a KGI Ming-Chi Kuo research analyst, the next iPad will sport the TouchID fingerprint scanner and a next-gen A8 mobile processor. The analyst also predicts that the upcoming iPad will sport a rear-facing 8MP camera.

The writing is on the wall for these predicted upgrades. Apple generally merges iPad and iPhone features shortly after the initial release. And why not? The two devices often pull from the same parts bin and rolling out similar feature sets allows Apple to reduce the manufacturing costs by increasing the volume.

Interestingly enough, the KGI analyst states that Apple will release these models earlier than last year, with a third quarter release most likely. Slow sales of last year’s models are to blame, he says. Plus, if launched early enough, Apple could participate in the often-lucrative Back to School selling season that it generally misses with early fourth quarter product release.

As AppleInsider reports, the updates will likely hit both the next-gen iPad Air and the iPad mini with Retina.