iPad Air 3 release date, specs rumors 2016: Launch delayed to March 2017 as Apple focuses on iPad Pro

Miguel Salonga Monday, September 05, 2016

One of the most anticipated releases from Apple in the coming months is the new iteration of the iPad Air. It is highly speculated that the iPad Air 3 will be released by the Cupertino-based giant this 2016, along with their other big device offerings such as the new iPhone 7 and Apple Watch 2. Unfortunately for those who have been following the flagship device, it appears that Apple may be prioritizing their other Apple tablet brand over the iPad Air.

Apple's current 9.7-inch iPad Air 2. | APPLE

Earlier rumors suggested that the iPad Air 3 will arrive in the last quarter of this year. Specifically, many reports point to a November 2016 release date for the new Air tablet. However, with the emergence of a new iPad Pro on the horizon, it is looking less likely that there will be any room left for the iPad Air 3 this year. PC Advisor said that Apple has a routine of releasing one iPad at a time for a single year. If Apple is indeed focusing on the iPad Pro line more than the iPad Air, then it must be expected that the public will see a new iPad Pro this 2016 rather than the third iPad Air tablet. If anything, the iPad Air 3 might be giving way to the iPad Pro.

If anything, the iPad Air 3 release date may be postponed to an early 2017 schedule. It is now likely that the new iteration of the Apple tablet will be unveiled during a special Apple press event on March 2017. However, the company itself has not yet disclosed any information regarding their future events, more so their plans about the iPad Air brand.

To recall, Apple also had a press event back in March to unveil the 9.7-inch iPad Pro. In this case, the likelihood of Apple launching another iPad label this year, specifically the new iPad Air 3, has already decreased. However, not all hope is lost as the anticipated March event in 2017 may showcase the new iPad Air instead.

Nevertheless, there are now rumors regarding the core specifications of the upcoming iPad Air 3. As early as now, it is rumored that the iPad Air 3 will use the upcoming A10 processing chipset, which will boast huge improvements over its predecessor. The new iPad Air is also said to have the 64 GB, 128 GB, and 256 GB storage variants, according to Macworld UK. It can be expected that the iPad Air 3 will be pre-installed with the full version of iOS 10, which is set to arrive in the coming weeks.