• Customers stand beneath an Apple logo.

Customers stand beneath an Apple logo. (Photo : Reuters/Mike Segar)

The Apple iPad Air 3 is now rumored to release in the first half of 2016. However, it will be lacking 3D Touch which is known as the best feature of iPad Pro and iPhone 6S.


Rumors are rife that the Apple iPad Air 3 is currently under works. KGI Securities analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo has forecasted that the iPad Air 3 will be released in the first half of 2015, 9 to 5 Mac reported.

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Speculations indicate that the iPad Air 3 will be announced with new products like Apple iPhone 6C that will feature a 4-inch display and Apple Watch in March 2016, Mac World reported.

 The iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S, iPad Pro and iPad Mini 4 were showcased to the world in September this year.  Apart from the iPad Mini 4, all the three devices come with 3D Touch, a feature that helps the display to distinguish between harder and lighter taps and produce suitable feedback. The iPad Air 3, like the iPad Mini 4, will be lacking the 3D Touch feature, added Kuo.

The reason why iPad Air 3 will not be coming with 3D Touch is because of manufacturing issues caused due to high inventory. The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus that are likely to release in September will continue to same 3D Touch technology that is present on iPhone 6S and 6S handsets

The rumor mill has revealed that iPad Air 3 will continue to sport 9.7-inch display. The Apple A9X that powers the 12.9-inch iPad Pro will also be driving the iPad Air 3. It will be also coming with a camera of 8 MP. The device is expected to be available for $610.