iPad Air 3, iPad Mini 5 release date, specs news: New Air coming in March 2017, New Mini 5 in September?

While Apple fans have been waiting for the iPad Air 3 since 2015, new reports indicate that the long-rumored device may not be here until early 2017. Meanwhile, the iPad Mini 5 could make its debut at an Apple launch event in September.

According to MacWorld, which originally predicted an October 2015 release for the iPad Air 3, it is likely that Apple will be releasing new iPads in fall 2016, possibly September, alongside the much-anticipated iPhone 7. However, the launch of a new 9.7-inch iPad could be left for a later event, possibly in March 2017.

Meanwhile, the iPad Mini 5 could be unveiled in September, akin to the iPad Mini 4, which was debuted in September 2015 and hit store shelves almost immediately after. PC Advisor expects the Cupertino-based tech giant to follow this pattern this year.

As for the specs of these two rumored devices, there has been much talk about the iPad Air 3 becoming much thinner than the iPad Air 2, its predecessor. It is also said to come with the upcoming iOS 10 and have a Smart Connector port for a Smart Keyboard.

According to the rumor mill, the iPad Air 3 will have the same aluminium body as the iPhone 6s and the iPhone 6s Plus. It will also reportedly have support for the Apple Pencil and come in four variants: silver, space grey, gold, and rose gold.

Meanwhile, Apple is expected to introduce a rose gold option for the iPad Mini 5. The new iPad Mini is said to come equipped with new features, including 3D Touch, support for the Apple Pencil, and IP68 protection. It could also come with iOS 10, an Apple A9 processor, and an M9 motion co-processor.

In addition, the iPad Mini 5 could support NFC and do away with the standard 3.5mm headphone jack in favor of a D-jack. No improvements are expected for the iPad Mini 5's camera and screen resolution.