Apple iPad Air 3, iPad mini 5 specs news: Next iPad Air to be slimmer and stronger; iPad mini 5 to sport thinner design, iPhone-like screen?

In contrast to earlier predictions, Apple did not launch the iPad Air 3 and the iPad mini 5 during the company's major event in March, leaving a lot of fans and gadget lovers disappointed. After all, they had been waiting in anticipation for the launch of these two devices.

While the iPad Air 3 and the iPad mini 5 release dates are yet to be confirmed by Apple, speculations surrounding the devices still abound on the web. Reports say they may be launched alongside the much-awaited iPhone 7 in the last quarter of 2016 or in a separate event. The devices are also said to possibly come out to the market by March 2017.

As far as speculations are concerned, the next iPad Air iteration significantly distinguishes from its predecessor. The most apparent change according to rumors is its much slimmer build as compared to the iPad Air 2's 6.1mm slate. Another interesting detail about the newest tablet in Apple's iPad Air series is its possible use of 7000-series aluminum, the strongest alloy Apple has ever used on an iPhone, which is present in the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus.

According to Trusted Reviews, the rumored tablet will have an A9X processor, a major leap from the Air 2, which sports an A8X chip with 64‑bit architecture partnered with an M8 motion coprocessor. As per reports by Macworld, a Smart Connector for the attachment of a Smart Keyboard Cover is also purported to be part of the package of iPad Air 3 and it will be located on the left-hand edge of the device.

As for the latest development with regard to the iPad mini 5, the device is rumored to run on iOS 10 and is also said to sport a thinner design than the previous iPad mini version. In addition, Apple users and fans are said to be expecting the forthcoming iPad mini 5 to feature a 3D touch pressure-sensitive screen, which the latest iPhone models have.

Since there is still so much time before the rumored launch schedule of the new iPad Air and the new iPad mini, more speculations and rumor reports are expected to emerge in the coming months.