Just what does Apple have in store for the next-generation iPad?

We have been hearing a lot of news and rumors about the iPhone 6 recently, but what about Apple's iPad? Not a lot is currently known about Apple's next-generation tablets yet, but there are still rumors circulating around the net. So here is what is currently known and what we have heard thus far.

We expect that Apple is developing a second-generation iPad Air (sixth-generation iPad) and a third-generation iPad mini, both of which will likely feature Apple's new A8 processor. We have heard rumors that Apple is planning to add their patented Touch ID fingerprint technology to the new iPad Air and mini. And we have seen images of an iPad Air mockup with some interesting design changes, and sporting a Touch ID sensor embedded into its home button surrounded by a chrome ring.

There have also been rumors that Apple may have discovered a way to slim down the new iPad mini. Chinese media reports that the third-generation mini could be up to thirty percent thinner than the previous iPad mini. It has also been reported that the next-generation iPad mini could debut as the "iPad mini Air", adopting Apple's Air moniker due to the size reduction.

The latest rumors are that Apple's next-generation iPad Air and iPad mini will be entering a mass production phase sometime in September. If this rumor is true then it seems likely that we may see an October or November release date for the new iPads.

A few related reports worth mentioning. There have been claims that Apple is working on a much larger tablet with a 12.9-inch display rumored to be called the "iPad Pro". Not much is currently known about the device, but analysts say we could see the iPad Pro release sometime in 2015.

It was also reported last month that a split-screen multitasking feature was discovered hidden in the beta version of iOS 8. It is said that the split-screen feature will allow you to run two apps side-by-side in different sized windows. It is rumored that we could see this feature available on Apple's next-generation iPad Air and iPad mini.