Technology giant Apple is expected to introduce two new updated iPads 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 10 million units sold in the first three days.

The invite Apple sent out for this latest event at its live event in California also suggested a hardware update that has been a while in the making. The tagline "It's been way too long" was the only text on display, and many believe this is in reference to one of Apple's longer-running product lines, which is about to receive a refresh.

This has been seen by many as a nod to the company's desktop computer - the iMac. The computer 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 like the iPad. But more recent reports suggest that while Apple may well introduce such a device, it would not hit the market until next year at the earliest.

Creating this type of hybrid would be seen as entering direct competition with the Microsoft Surface, which is being pushed to consumers as a tablet that can replace your laptop. The Surface runs a touchscreen version of Microsoft's desktop software, Windows, and any iPad Pro would probably do the same with Apple's OS X.

Whatever does happen in Cupertino, we will find out exactly what Apple has got planned for the tablet world and beyond when the company's live event gets under way at 6pm UK time tonight.

One of Apple's biggest rivals in the device market, Google, has already shown its hand by introducing a new smartphone - the Nexus 6 - and a tablet, the Nexus 9.

However, just moments after Google took the wrapping off its new devices, a new leak appeared online that allegedly shows the new iPads in an official Apple user guide.

Spotted by Apple blog 9to5Mac, the images name the iPad Air 2 and the iPad mini 3.

The annotated images appeared in preview screen shots for the iPad User Guide, and also confirm the presence of Apple's fingerprint scanner technology, Touch ID, on the new tablets.

Social media was quick to respond, suggesting the timing of the leak was an attempt to steal Google's thunder in the wake of its announcement.

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