Apple expected to launch refreshed iPad Air and iPad mini today

Technology giant Apple is expected to introduce more new hardware products at its live event in California today.

It was only a month ago that Apple chief executive Tim Cook took to the stage to show the world two new iPhones. The fuss has only just died down and they are about to do it all again — but this time with iPads.

So what is expected? In short, a refresh of the iPad Air and iPad mini that will see Touch ID, Apple’s fingerprint recognition software, added to the devices, as well as design changes to bring them closer to the new iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. This means more curves and thinner frames, like those found on the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.

Following the iPhone launch last month, Apple reported record first weekend sales of the two new iPhones, with 10m units sold in three days.

The invite Apple sent out for this latest event also suggested a hardware update that has been a while in the making.

The iMac has not had major stage time at an event, or an update, in some time, and with OS X Yosemite expected to be fully released this week, it would make sense to update the hardware too.

There are longer odds on some other new products making an appearance during the presentation, with whispers of an iPad Pro. This is seen as a bigger, more powerful version of the tablet.

Reports indicate it would be around the 12-inch mark in screen size, and could potentially run desktop OS X, as opposed to iOS.

The event gets under way at 6pm Irish time.