iPad Air 2 release date will be earlier than the next generation iPad Mini Retina.

Christian Post cited reliable KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who has an impressive track record in accurately predicting Apple's plans and devices, saying that Apple is mulling to release the upgraded iPad Air earlier than usual and earlier than its little brother.

Part of the reason is the massive sales of iPad Air during the last quarter of 2013 compared to the tepid shipments of iPad Mini. Kuo further added that Apple will delay the development of new iPad Mini.

Alleged images of iPad Air 2 leaked online revealing the screen display of the device integrated with the front panel. Similar to what Apple has done in iPhone, the display integration would affect and help Apple produce a significantly thinner design than the first iPad Air.

While the integration of the display will yield to a thinner design and form factor, it could also aid Apple in improving the battery as it has more space inside. The battery life of the device did not get as much attention as needed, as focus was increased on the software side which utilizes the battery.

However, display integration with front panel could also result in increased repair cost. Although Apple has never focused on ease of reparability of its products.

Mr Kuo added in his research note to investors that Apple will pack the TouchID fingerprint sensor in the upgraded iPad Air and Retina iPad mini that will be released later this year. Meanwhile, Macrumors reported that iPad Air 2 features will include the Touch ID, an A8 processor, and an improved camera with a resolution of eight megapixels.

Moreover, he believed that the second-generation iPad Air could come earlier in the year than the previous iPad Air, which was released in October 2013.