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Apple's gold iPad is expected to launch at a 'small' event in Cupertino on 16 October - a week earlier than first thought

Despite claims Apple has been gearing up to launch its new range of iPads on 21 October, we may get to see the devices a week earlier. 

Tech site Re/code claims the launch event will now take place on 16 October at Apple's Cupertino headquarters.

If these reports are true, the iPad could go on sale on the 24 October. 

Last week, rumours suggested Apple was putting the finishing touches to a new version of it's iPad Air - including a gold version. 

The small event is likely to be in stark contrast to the star-studded launch of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, which saw U2 playing before the firm controversially gave away the band's new album.

The move is thought to be designed to boost sales of its full-size tablets, which are in decline.

Until now, iPads have only been available in a monochromatic colour scheme, but a golden makeover would make the tablets more similar to the Californian company's new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, which come in three colours. 

New versions of the 9.7-inch tablet could include a golden metal rear cover as well as the silver and grey currently offered for the iPad Air, 'people familiar with the matter' told Bloomberg.

The new iPads are also predicted to sport a thinner, more rounded design, similar to the iPhone 6.

Hidden code in the latest iOS 8.1 beta software hints that the iPads will feature a Touch ID fingerprint sensor and Apple Pay functionality.  

The code states that users can 'pay with iPad using Touch ID. With Apple Pay, you no longer need to type card numbers and shipping information.'

However, it is not clear whether the new iPad will come with NFC functionality, which is used for contactless payments, as it relies on a Wi-Fi or mobile connection. 

Apple Pay has only been announced in the US, so if the iPads do get the feature, it may be limited to only American buyers.  

Until now, iPads have only been available in a monochromatic colour scheme, but a golden makeover would make the tablets - available in silver and space grey - more similar to the Californian company's new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, which come in three colours (pictured)

Apple is also rumoured to be launching a larger iPad with a 12.9-inch screen next year, which if true, could offer 76 per cent more screen area than the current 9.7 inch models.

The latest swathe of Apple tablets could come with a split screen function, which would allow users of an iPad to open two apps side-by-side on one screen. 

Sales of iPads have slumped for two quarters, after climbing from $5 billion (£3 billion) when they were launched in 2010, to $30 billion (£19 billion) in 2012 and $32 billion in 2013 (£20 billion).

The firm hasn't unveiled an updated iPad since last October when it launched the iPad Air and Mini, and it appears that consumers have instead been drawn to smartphones with larger screens, including recently, Apple's iPhone 6 Plus, which has a 5.5 inch screen.

Apple is not new to the strategy of launching colourful products to boost its sales. 

In 1999 it rolled out different coloured iMacs which were successful, but sales of its iPhone 5C – a 'budget' version of the iPhone 5S – have not sold as well as the company hoped.

The company is expected to unveil the new iPads at the same time as a range of iMacs with Ultra HD 'Retina' display screens in a bid to reinvigorate desktop computer sales.

The new line of iMacs is rumoured to have ultra high-resolution Retina Displays, a thin profile and faster processors as well as improved Wi-Fi antennas.

The firm is expected to reveal them alongside a new version of its Mac software called Yosemite. 

Is less more with the Apple iPad Air?

The company is expected to unveil the new iPads at the same time as a range of iMacs (pictured) with Ultra HD 'Retina' display screens in a bid to reinvigorate desktop computer sales