Apple has launched the most recent versions of its tablet, the iPad Mini 3 and iPad Air 2, supposedly the worlds thinnest tablet.

Speaking to an excited crowd at Apples Town Hall Auditorium in California, chief executive Tim Cook spoke about the new releases, including about the fact that the new iPad Air 2 was thinner than a pencil, measuring only 6.1mm thick. Two of the iPad Air 2s can be stacked on top of each other, and take up no more room than the original iPad.

The iPad Air 2 includes a specially-created A8X chip which should deliver 40 per cent faster performance. It includes an eight megapixel iSight camera, and an enhanced battery which should now last up to 10 hours. It also features Apples Touch ID sensor built into the home button, which will enable users to keep their iPad secure while also unlocking it without a code.

As with previous version, the iPad Air 2 will be available in 16GB, 64GB and 128GB versions, priced at $629 (£391), $729 and $829 respectively for models with wi-fi and 3G, while models with only wi-fi capability come in cheaper. Pre-orders for the tablet will begin on 17 October, with shipping starting by the end of next week.

The iPad Mini 3 was also revealed at the event, boasting a 7.9 inch Retina display, five megapixel iSight camera and the Touch ID technology built in. It will be released at the same time as the iPad Air 2, priced at $399 for 16GB, $499 for 64GB and $599 for 128GB.

The event also featured some other announcements, including the news that Apple Pay will launch on 20 October, along with iOS 8.1, and that the WatchKit SDK enabling developers to build apps for the new Apple Watch will be available in November, ahead of its release.