The iPad Air 3 could debut alongside the iPad Pro 2 in 2017, a cheaper alternative for some cash-strapped tablet-buying customers. (Photo : Getty Images/Justin Sullivan)
The iPad Pro 2 may be in good company with word that the iPad Air 3 could be coming out in 2017. This means that Apple will have its hands full right in the first quarter as it kicks off the 'Year of the Rooster' on a high note.
The iPad Air 3 was something speculated to be out this year though nothing transpired in several of Apple’s events. That included the WWDC and the iPhone 7 launch where no trace of a refreshed Air tablet happened, Mashable reported.
Apple will have another event soon, the one pegged to launch the MacBook Pro 2016 and possibly the MacBook Air. But with no credible word on what the iPad Air 3 could potentially sport, seeing it debut alongside the refreshed laptop line is unlikely.
An iPad Air 3 could make sense alongside the iPad Pro 2 since it offers buyers options. It is seen as a cheaper alternative for the ones who cannot afford to top tablets available.
The belief that Apple is all set to unveil a long-awaited refresh for the iPad Air line popped up after the iPad Air 2 got a big price off. An example is this offer from B&H photo which slashed the prices by $200 for the 128 GB iPad Air 2 variant, Apple Insider reported.
The iPad Air 2 used to be Apple’s top-selling iPad. That all changed earlier this year when the Cupertino company introduced the 9.7-inch iPad Pro. Thus, it seems a bit ironic that it would get a refresh alongside the same line that practically pushed its stock down.
As for the potential specs of the iPad Air 3, it is expected to come out with higher specs than the current iPad Air 2. Rumors have it that it may possibly come out sporting an A10X chip, a 12 MP camera, new smart connectors, True Tone display and 3D Touch.
The iPad Air 3 is expected to be thinner and sport a 7000-series aluminum body. There is no official word yet of Apple would be taking out the 3.5 mm jacks, something that allowed the iPhone 7/7 Plus to become a whole lot leaner.
The video below details most of the rumors tied up to the iPad Air 3.
