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.

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Top Rated Comments

nymetsfan25 Avatar
126 months ago
Just wait for it, $699 for 16GB.
Score: 47 Votes (Like | Disagree)
yossi Avatar
126 months ago
Holding out for the iPad Mini Pro Air-SE
Score: 43 Votes (Like | Disagree)
yaxomoxay Avatar
126 months ago
Thats a serious first world problem
without first world problems there would be no MR.
Score: 43 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mxmgodin Avatar
126 months ago
This is making me fear a Pro price-tag, though... :confused:
Score: 42 Votes (Like | Disagree)
akfgpuppet Avatar
126 months ago
Coming next year, the iPad Mini Pro!
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Salvor Hardin Avatar
126 months ago
The New iPad 7 Air 3 Pro Mini with Retina Display
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)