Apple leaks iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3

Apple accidentally uploaded images of the new tablets as illustrations for its new iPad User Guide for iOS 8.1 on the iTunes Store.

While Google was revealing its new Nexus 6 smartphone and Nexus 9 tablet, tech websites started to buzz with new reports on the next generation of the iPad. Ahead of its keynote address on Thursday, Apple accidentally uploaded images of the new tablets as illustrations for its new iPad User Guide for iOS 8.1 on the iTunes Store.

Judging by the uploaded images, which were quickly removed, little is new on the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3, other than the addition of the Touch ID fingerprint reader -- a feature seen on the latest iterations of the iPhone (5s, 6 and 6 Plus) -- and burst mode for the camera.

The design is virtually the same, however, and no specifications have leaked so far regarding the processor and battery.

The fact that the leaked screenshot involves a guide for iOS 8.1 seems to suggest Apple will reveal the first major update to its mobile operating system at the presentation of its new tablets.

Apple is due to officially reveal several new developments regarding its tablets and computers on Thursday, October 16, in Cupertino, just over one month after presenting the iPhone 6 and Apple Watch. This latest keynote address is also expected to include the official launch of Mac OS X Yosemite, the operating system first presented in June.