iPad Air 2, Mini 3 Consumer Interest Low, Survey Indicates

Interested in purchasing either of the new iPads rumored to be coming out later this year? You may be the last of a dying breed, according to uSwitch.

A survey from the publication does not indicate there is high consumer interest in either the Air 2 or Mini 3, as only 8 percent of poll participators responded that they are excited about the Air 2 and three percent indicated they are looking forward to getting their hands on the next iPad Mini offering.

These numbers are especially low when compared vs. those for the 5.5-inch "phablet" iPhone 6, which was 46 percent. The 4.7-inch model, meanwhile, sounded attractive to 27 percent of the survey takers.

The next iPad Mini with Retina Display could become available to consumers by the end of the year, Bloomberg reports.

The publication's sources "with knowledge of the matter" have informed them that the 7.9-inch "Mini 3" tablet is already entering production with a Q4 release date schedule currently planned. Apple has also reportedly entered the 9.7-inch iPad "Air 2" into mass production for a release by "the end of this quarter or early next."

The new iPads would be a crucial addition to the Cupertino-based company's lineup for the holiday shopping season, especially considering sales of tablets have dropped for two straight quarters.

The next-generation Air will also reportedly pack an anti-glare display designed for easier reading, according to the Bloomberg report.

The special coating on the display, however, has unfortunately created manufacturing issues and held up production of the tablet.

The publication adds that the device may only be available in limited quantities due to manufacturing constraints.

According to ETNews, the Air 2 will feature the same design as its predecessor, but will come equipped with a new Apple A8 chip (compared to the A7 in the Air) and a better 8MP camera.

Specs rumors for Air 2 and Mini 3 also point to Touch ID fingerprint security.

What do you make of the iPad Air 2 and Mini 3? Would you consider purchasing either tablet? Let us in on your thinking with a relevant comment.