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Apple iPad Air 3 Rumors Resurface Ahead Of Alleged March 21 Launch

By Val Powell
Published on: 21:55 PST, Mar 17, 2016

The Apple iPad Air 3 is rumored to launch alongside the iPhone 5se on March 21, which is just a few days away. However, it seems insiders want to leak more details about the upcoming slate a week before its release.

According to a recent report, leaked photos from Twitter user Steve Hemmerstoffer (@stagueve) reveal a case specially designed for the upcoming iPad, although inside it is a dummy model.

While the leaked images did not feature the actual device, the cutouts from the case would seem to reveal some features of the new iPad Air.

Some cutouts reveal that the device will have four speakers and a three-pin Smart Connector, although no previous reports have confirmed those details just yet.

It also appears that the device will have a smaller display than the iPad Pro, which has a 12.9-inch Retina display. In comparison, the upcoming Air 3 will feature just 9.7-inches of screen estate, which is perfect for business purposes.

Considering its bigger sibling already has an upgraded resolution, the new Apple tablet could also sport a 2732×2048 resolution.

New iPad Air 3’s Design

In 2014, the Apple iPad Air 2 surprised everyone with a very thin design. At only 6.1mm, the current slate’s waistline is more than a millimeter thinner than the original iPad Air, which measured 7.5mm.

This may be pushing it too far, but the iPad Air 3 could be slightly thinner than its predecessor.

Specifications and Features

Similar to the iPad Pro, the iPad Air 3 could also have the new and improved A9X chipset, which the company claims to be 12 times faster than the chip of the original iPad. The chip is also capable of processing graphics 180 times faster than the original iPad.

Release Date and Pricing

Based on Apple’s previous history and track record of releasing devices, the iPad Air 3 should have been launched back in September during Apple’s event, where the company released the iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, and the iPad Mini 4.

However, that was not the case, and Apple probably decided that releasing it later this year would be too late for tablet users who wanted to upgrade their devices right away.

As a result, the Apple slate will possibly accompany one of the more affordable iPhone models, the iPhone 5se.

According to a previous report by 9to5mac, to Cupertino-based company will definitely have a special event on March 21, and some products that will make an appearance include the Apple Watch 2, the new iPhone, and the new Apple iPad Air.

The new Apple tablet could cost somewhere in the vicinity of £399 for the Wi-Fi only 16GB model and up to £659 for the Wi-Fi plus cellular option with a 128GB storage.

Another Cheaper iPhone

Meanwhile, the iPhone 5se is rumored to serve the same purpose as the iPhone 5c a couple of years ago. It will cater to the mass market that wants to avail of a relatively bigger iPhone for a cheaper price.

This Year’s Next-Gen iPhone

It is worth noting that as early as now, there are already rumors surrounding the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7s. Based on reports, the two smartphones may have dual cameras, LED flash, a Smart Connector, and some subtle design changes. However, these are merely speculations for now, so it’s a good idea take this information with a grain of salt.

Apple’s March 21 “Special Event”

Rumors circulating in the last few weeks claim that the upcoming event will headline some new devices like the iPhone, iPad Air, and Apple Watch, although there are also rumors that the MacBook Air will get an upgrade as well. Stay tuned for more details.

[Image by Justin Sullivan, Getty Images]

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