Will the next iPad Air be more of the same? 'Leaked images of Apple's next-generation tablet' reveal just minor tweaks to its microphone and controls

The majority of the rumours about Apple’s upcoming devices have centred on what the iPhone 6 will look like - but the tech giant is also expected to launch a new iPad at an event in September.

Mock-up images of what this next-generation iPad Air casing may look like have appeared on Chinese site Weibo.

Despite a number of small tweaks to the volume controls and microphone, the case looks almost identical to the current super-thin model that went on sale in November last year.

 

It is not known whether the images are of a real iPad or whether they are just a designer's musing on what Apple's next offering will be.

Two images show what the casing may look like from a distance, while a close-up image reveals the case’s depth.

In the image that shows the exterior of the rear case, the camera lens is pictured in the top left-hand corner with a small hole next to it.

This hole, purported to be for the rear microphone, is similar to those seen on the rear of the iPhone 5S and 5C.

 

On the interior image, two holes along the top right-hand side of the case (pictured) are believed to be where the volume controls will sit. The controls on the current iPad Air are raised, but these holes suggest the next-generation controls will be built flush with the super-thin case

 

The iPad Air (pictured near right) is 20 per cent thinner than previous models, and Apple is expected to launch an equally super-thin iPhone, dubbed iPhone Air at an event in September. The iPad Mini with Retina display is pictured far right

This image shows where the microphones are positioned on the iPhone 5S. The top image shows the front microphone, the central image shows the rear microphone and the bottom image reveals where the bottom microphone is situated

By comparison, the microphone on the iPad Air is positioned in the centre, at the top of the rear case (pictured)

A larger version is also expected to be released, measuring 5.5 inches (14cm) - slightly larger than Samsung's 5.1-inch Galaxy S5. 

In April, Taiwan-based Commercial Times similarly referenced a 2mm-thick battery. 

The iPad Air is 20 per cent thinner than previous models, and Apple is expected to launch an equally super-thin iPhone, dubbed iPhone Air.

This is expected to be the smaller of the two handsets.

IPad sales slumped 9 per cent in the last quarter, according to the tech giant’s latest earnings report, amid reports demand for the technology is waning.

Previous rumours have pointed to a super slim 'iPhone Air' model, inspired by the current iPad Air. Taiwan-based Commercial Times referenced a 2mm-thick battery in April. Designer Martin Hajek's iPhone 6 concept is pictured left next to the current iPhone 5S