Apple has hit a slump in the past for its slow and limited product releases. As if taking a leaf out of the book of its competitors, Apple has been making headlines for its predicted product releases this year. According to recent information, the tech giant will be introducing its new iPhone 6 line including an updated iPad Air and Pro series. There is also the 12-inch MacBook Air plus new smart cases. What has Apple in store later this year?

iPhone 6 Patents and Upcoming Features

Whereas people depended mostly on the acquisition of GT Advanced Technologies as a sign for the sapphire iPhone 6, a new patent supports the speculations. According to the latest patent sighting, a new iPhone unit will come with "Oleophobic Coating on Sapphire."

Apple will also be releasing a new camera module using two camera sensors and a thinner design. The patent goes by "Electronic device with two image sensors," describing two sensors each handling the light and color aspects of the amera. According to the patent filing: "As a result, the signal-to-noise ratio may be improved. Advantageously, image quality may be enhanced."

iPad Air 2, iPad Mini and iPad Pro

Refreshed versions of the iPad Mini with Retina Display and iPad Air 2 may be coming soon as it has been spotted in the iOS 7.1 code. According to a report by 9to5Mac, new model numbers have been listed under the iOS support. Ming-Ching Kuo of KGI Securities also provided predications on the iPad Pro coming this year.

The analyst notes: "We believe Apple plans to launch upgraded iPad Air early this year, and will accelerate development of 12.9-inch iPad," Kuo wrote in a recent research note."

According to predictions, the upcoming iPad models will feature a new A8 chip based on Apple's 64-bit A7 processor. Apple may also include the TouchID fingerprint scanner on its tablets.

12-inch MacBook Air

The 12-inch MacBook Air may just be around the corner. Predicted by the Kuo in 2013, more evidence shows up supporting the production of the notebook. According to a report a patent sighting, the device may sport a trackpad with "force sensors and actuator feedback." It may also have buttonless trackpad and solar charging capacities and a reduced bezel.