Leaked photos of Apple’s iPad Air 2 have spread across the Internet recently, with latest product developments pointing towards the use of liquid metal and sapphire substrate material, according to Chinese-language media Sanlih E-Television.
Addition of fingerprint recognition features in the upcoming iPad Air 2 were shown in the latest leaked photos. The iPad Air 2 home button has included fingerprint recognition, while the round speaker output now sits in a row on the bottom of the tablet. Even the power button has been moved from the top of the device to the side.
iPad Air 2 to use liquid metal and sapphire components
Although, the use of liquid metal in Apple’s latest iPad Air 2 has not been confirmed, analysts noted Taiwanese manufacturer Catcher and King Slide Work would benefit. “Sapphire substrate will definitely be used (in the new product), Apple has been talking about it for six months,” said Allen Chu, founder of Marbo Investment Holdings. “With manufacturing ready to go, it is highly unlikely for Apple to switch to liquid metal at this point. There are rumors that Apple will be using A8 processing chips (in iPad Air 2), which might have
led to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) stock rebound on June 18, 2014.”
TSMC stock prices increased 0.4 percent to NT $ 125.5 (US $4.17) on June 18, 2014, while Taiwanese sapphire substrate manufacturer Crystalwise stock prices were up NT $0.4 to NT $36.8.
Chu also noted based on current stock performance observations, HTC does not seem to be the manufacturing candidate for the iPad Air 2. “The more likely candidate is Foxconn, a subsidiary of Hon Hai Precision Industry,” said Chu.
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