Skip to Content

Apple's 'iPad Air 3' to Be Branded as an iPad Pro With Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil Support

Apple's next-generation 9.7-inch iPad has been presumed to be dubbed "iPad Air 3," in line with the last several generations of the device, but according to a new report from 9to5Mac, Apple will instead be branding the new device as part of the iPad Pro family when it is introduced at the company's rumored March 15 media event.

ipad air 3 dimensions

The smaller iPad Pro will have nearly identical features and specifications as the bigger model, bringing along the A9X processor and RAM upgrades from the 12.9-inch model. It will also include the 12.9-inch model’s updated display technology to support the Apple Pencil.

Other features being carried over from the larger iPad Pro include the Smart Connector and the Smart Keyboard, with the latter being made available in a smaller size to fit Apple's mid-sized tablet form factor.

Apple is also reportedly winding down production on iPad mini 2 and original iPad Air models, allowing the company to simplify its tablet lineup to include the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, 9.7-inch iPad Pro, and 7.9-inch iPad mini 4 as its main devices, with the iPad Air 2 likely remaining available as an entry-level model at the middle size.

Related Roundup: iPad Pro
Buyer's Guide: iPad Pro (Buy Now)

Popular Stories

iphone fold text

iPhone Fold Crease Measurements Revealed as Device Hits Production

Wednesday February 25, 2026 5:37 am PST by
Apple has submitted production line orders for its upcoming foldable iPhone, effectively confirming that the device will launch this year, claims a Chinese leaker. According to the Weibo account "Fixed Focus Digital," assembly lines recently received the orders from Apple, which has apparently allowed the leaker to learn the crease measurements for the device's 7.8-inch inner display....
Low Cost A18 Pro MacBook Feature Pink

Leaker Says Apple's Lower-Cost MacBook Will Have These 8 Limitations

Wednesday February 25, 2026 9:25 am PST by
Apple is expected to unveil its long-rumored lower-cost MacBook next week. Given it will be more affordable, this MacBook model will obviously have some reduced specs and compromises compared to the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. While we are still waiting for Apple to announce the new MacBook, a leaker has shared eight alleged limitations to expect, based on an internal version of Apple's...
m3 macbook pro blue

M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro: What to Expect

Wednesday February 25, 2026 3:02 pm PST by
Apple is working on a new MacBook Pro that could launch next week ahead of the "Special Experience" planned for March 4, so we thought we'd highlight all of the rumors about the device so far. Design There are no rumors of design changes, and we are expecting the upcoming M5 MacBook Pro models to look just like the M4 versions. Apple will continue to offer 14-inch and 16-inch size options,...

Top Rated Comments

131 months ago
Just wait for it, $699 for 16GB.
Score: 47 Votes (Like | Disagree)
131 months ago
Holding out for the iPad Mini Pro Air-SE
Score: 43 Votes (Like | Disagree)
yaxomoxay Avatar
131 months ago
Thats a serious first world problem
without first world problems there would be no MR.
Score: 43 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mxmgodin Avatar
131 months ago
This is making me fear a Pro price-tag, though... :confused:
Score: 42 Votes (Like | Disagree)
akfgpuppet Avatar
131 months ago
Coming next year, the iPad Mini Pro!
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
131 months ago
The New iPad 7 Air 3 Pro Mini with Retina Display
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)