Apple Stores begin receiving new iPad Air ahead of upcoming launch
Apple is sending secretive new devices to its stores around the world, instructing staff the shipments are “for opening at a later date,” with Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggesting the deliveries contain Apple’s recently announced iPad Air, expected to launch any day now.
Gurman previously claimed that stores were beginning to prepare for the launch of the new devices by receiving marketing materials at the beginning of the month, with the newly delivered devices presumably being the final thing needed before Apple flicks the switch and officially launches the hardware to customers around the world.
Featuring an all-screen design with a larger 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, camera, and audio upgrades, a new integrated Touch ID sensor in the top button, USB-C, and more, the new device marks the biggest upgrade to the iPad Air line to date.
Shipments of new devices have started landing at Apple stores for opening at a later date — likely the iPad Airs going on sale this month. Too early for the iPhones.
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) October 9, 2020
The iPad Air 4 starts at $599 (US)/£579 (UK) for the 64GB WiFi model, and $729 (US)/£709 (UK) for the 64GB WiFi + Cellular configuration. AppleCare+ is priced at $69 (US)/£69 (UK) to cover accidental damage protection and extend Apple’s standard service warranty.