Since the release of the 9.7-inch iPad Pro in March 2016, Apple-related rumors have focused on the upcoming models in the iPad line. Reports about the iPad Air 3, the iPad Pro 2, and the iPad Mini 5 have surfaced all over the web.
Information about the iPads in question suggests Apple could launch them in fall or early 2017. The Cupertino-based company is still focusing on its upcoming MacBook Pro 2016, so a March 2017 release date seems more likely for the trio of tablet computers.
Even though reports say Apple is going to launch all three of them together, it seems highly unlikely. Usually announced in October or November, Apple has never released more than two tablets at the same time. The iPad Mini 4 was the only surprise as Apple launched it in September 2015 along the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
In October 2012, the tech giant released two iPads in the same event for the first time. They were the fourth-generation iPad and first-generation iPad Mini. Two years later, Apple repeated the feat by launching the iPad Air 2 and the iPad Mini 3 in October.
The iPad Air 3 will be thinner, and the iPad Pro 2 could be the most powerful iPad ever
The rumor says the iPad Air 3 will come in a new Rose Gold color option, and an iPhone 7-like A10 Fusion Chip.
Featuring a 7000-series aluminum chassis, the iPad Air 3 will be even thinner than the incredible 6.1mm iPad Air 2 and the iPad Mini 4. That is even less than the 5.6mm thick Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 tablets.
Powered by an A10X SoC chipset, the iPad Pro 2 is set to become the best Apple tablet so far. Rumored to debut alongside the iPad Air 3 and the iPad Mini 5, the Pro 2 will reportedly come in three variants: 12.9-inch, 10.5-inch, and 9.7-inch.
The iPad Mini 5 will be thinner, faster and more expensive than its predecessor
Just like the iPad Air 3, the iPad Mini 5 will feature a thinner design with the 7000-series aluminum chassis. A smaller battery than the 5,124mAh in the Mini 4 should make it possible.
The Mini 5 should also have improved speed and graphics thanks to an A9 processor instead of the A8 as well as a Smart Connector.
Other features could be 3D Touch, no headphone jack, fast charging, microSD card slot, full Apple Pay integration, and water resistance.
The 16GB base model of the Mini 4 had a $399 price tag. However, Apple will almost certainly drop the 16GB. Starting at 32GB, the iPad Mini 5 will reportedly cost around $429.
Source: Macworld UK
