iPad Air 3 release date and rumors: Apple to release mid-range tablet in November?

Earlier rumors suggest a Sept. 9 release for the iPad Air 3 alongside the highly anticipated iPhone 7. But new reports emerge indicating an October introduction with an official market debut in early November. This speculation remains unconfirmed as the Cupertino-based giant is yet to issue an official reveal statement on the said device.

Apple has sold over 200 million tablets so far, proving its substantial lead over the device makers in the tablet wars. Part of this success is the company's iPad Air—the tech giant's 9.7-inch iteration of its tablet lineup which also includes the iPad Pro. 

Apple's mid-range tablet lineup first came to life in 2013. Since the iPad Air 2's 2014 launch, hopes have been high for another iterative upgrade in 2015 but it did not happen. Moreover, the rumored device was highly speculated to show up in Apple's springtime event but the company did not drop any hint of its possible release. Then came last June's Worldwide Developers' Conference. To everyone's disappointment, the iPad Air 3 was a no-show again. Since the follow-up release of iPad Air 2, the tech firm is yet to unveil a third-generation tablet for the said series.

However, Mobipicker reported that while there is quite a clamor for the iPad Air 3 iteration, releasing another mid-range tablet is redundant especially with iPad Pro's 9.7-inch variant which is speculated to include all the rumored features and specifications that the former will supposedly have. Still, tech observers and Apple enthusiasts remain convinced that iPad Air 3 will still light at the end of the tunnel. The report also mentioned rumors that users will be able to connect smart keyboards and other accessories like the Apple pen using the Smart Connector on the device's left edge.

Meanwhile, another report indicates that the release of iPad Air 3 is likely this year as retailers and e-commerce websites are currently offering a $100 price markdown on iPad Air 2 to make way for the latest iPad Air flagship debut in November per BitBag report. Furthermore, the third iPad Air upgrade is expected to sport a slimmer design with more processing power compared to earlier models.