Apple launches faster, thinner iPad Air 2

Apple's A8X microprocessor with M8 co-processor, and laminated parts, will make iPad Air 2 both faster and thinner

Apple has unveiled a new iPad Air 2 which, it claims, is even thinner than the original iPad Air. Apple claims it is 18 per cent thinner, which it achieved by laminating the components in the device together in order to remove unnecessary air space.

The Apple A8X microprocessor, based on ARM, offers 40 per cent fast performance and will also have a M8 motion co-processor running alongside it to handle movement data and a new barometer for measuring elevation. The screen is 56 per cent less reflective, according to Apple, while the device will offer a less stunning ten-hour battery life.

The eight mega-pixel camera is also improved and can offer all the camera modes of the latest iPhones - launched just last month. These include "time lapse", "panorama", "burst" and "slo mo" video. It should also take better pictures in low light.

Most intriguing of all, perhaps, is the Touch ID fingerprint sensor, which Apple claims could be used to help authenticate online purchases. It will ship with iOS 8.1 - the hastily updated version of iOS 8 that was only launched last month.

At the same time, though, the iPad Air 2 is not cheap. The base wi-fi and mobile network 16GB model will cost $629 - about £450 - and the 32GB model (as with last month's iPhone 6 launch) has been dropped. The 64GB model will cost $729 and the 128GB model $829.