Apple's New iPad Air 2 Available for Online Order

Apple promised the iPad Air 2 would be available for purchase on Friday after unveiling it at a special media event yesterday. The company kept its word and added the new tablet model to its store late Friday morning.

iPad Air 2 available for order now, shipping next weekiPad Air 2 available for order now, shipping next week

The iPad Air 2 is thinner than the previous model, and includes Touch ID support, a faster A8X processor with M8 motion co-processor, a sharper display, faster WiFi, 8MP camera, iOS 8.1 pre-installed, and more. The new model is also available in gold, along with silver and Space Gray. Previously, gold was an option only on the iPhone.

Pricing for the new models starts at US$499 for the 16GB version, $599 for the 64GB model, and $699 for the 128GB model.

The iPad Air 2 isn't in the company's retail stores yet, but it is available online. Orders placed now are showing a two to four day shipping wait, which is inline with the company's promise that the new tablet would be available some time next week.