iPad Air 3 release date, news, specs rumors: 3 new iPad variants to be released early 2017?

The iPad followers who tuned in to the Sept. 7 Apple Event were disappointed as the Cupertino-based tech giant mostly focused on the new iPhone 7 smartphone during the event. It has long been rumored that the major iPad refresh will happen in the coming months, but with the recent developments, it is getting less likely that the new iPad versions will be seen before the year ends.

Nevertheless, it is still likely that Apple will soon unveil the next iterations of the current iPad models, particularly the iPad Air 3. It has been a while since the public first witnessed the recent iPad Air update, and it is probably high time for Apple to refresh it this year. However, doubt still remains if Apple would continue updating the iPad Air or shift its attention to the other iPad labels.

As per Mac Otakara, the public will see an iPad refresh early next year, but the iPad Air 3 may not be one of those getting released in 2017. It is speculated that Apple will release the next version of the iPad Pro instead, and the company may possibly unveil a mini version of the iPad Pro. Particularly, there are the 7.9-inch iPad Pro Mini, a 10.1-inch iPad Pro 2 and larger 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2 model.

Still, there is still no confirmation regarding the actual descriptions of the upcoming iPad devices next year. For those who are waiting for the iPad Air 3, there is still hope. According to iTech Post, the iPad Air 3 is likely to make an appearance in the anticipated Apple Event early 2017, wherein the gadget will be showcased together with the new iPad Pro and iPad Mini models. Like the iPhone 7, it is rumored that the iPad Air 3 will lose its 3.5 mm headphone jack. It is expected to use the latest A10 chipset and to have a total of 64 GB internal storage.