iPad Air 3 release date, specs news & update: iPad Air 3 release date delayed?

Jackie Villegas Friday, October 21, 2016

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

While some tech bloggers have been predicting an Oct. 27 release for the rumored iPad Air 3, there are now reports that the tablet's release could be further delayed.

Apple fans and pundits have been talking about the possible release date of the next iPad Air model since 2015. But just as Apple's highly anticipated superslim tablet seems almost at hand, it now appears that consumers may have to wait longer before the device is released. That is if Apple decides to continue making its iPad Air products.

MacWorld and other tech blogs have been predicting that Apple will unveil the iPad Air 3 on the second birthday of the iPad Air 2, which was launched in October 2014. The first iPad Air was unveiled in October 2013. Should Apple follow this release schedule, consumers should see the iPad Air 3 before the end of this month.

However, PC Advisor UK now says that Apple could introduce its new iPad Air along with its other iPad offerings in March 2017. The outlet suggests that Apple could debut the iPad Air 3 alongside two iPad Pro devices, which aren't expected until early next year.

There is also speculation that the radio silence about the iPad Air 3 can only mean that Apple is discontinuing the iPad Air. There may be some truth to this, given that when Apple fans were expecting a new iPad Air in October 2015 (as the iPad Air release schedule dictated), the tech giant skipped the expected launch and came out with the 12.9-inch iPad Pro instead. The debut of the larger iPad Pro, which was unveiled in March 2016, gave rise to speculations that Apple may be replacing its iPad Air lineup with the more expensive iPad Pros.

But should Apple continue making its iPad Airs, these are expected to be even slimmer and faster than the current model. According to PC Advisor UK, the iPad Air 3's chassis might be a millimeter or two thinner than that of the iPad Air 2.

The new iPad Air is also expected to receive a processor upgrade as well as a larger 9.7-inch screen. Tech industry watchers don't anticipate a better camera or a True Tone display for the iPad Air 3, however, as these are thought to be reserved for the iPad Pro line.

Apple has not announced the official release date for the rumored iPad Air 3.