iPad Air 3 Release Date: Apple May Launch Pre-Orders after March Unveiling

By Lorraine Caballero, Christian Post Contributor Tuesday, February 02, 2016

The iPad Air 3 may be nearing its release date, and fans are expecting pre-orders for Apple's newest tablet to kick off right after it is unveiled in March this year.

So far, Apple has been silent about the iPad Air 3's release date, but there are reports saying the new tablet will be unveiled together with the 4-inch iPhone 5se and the new Apple Watch in the company's event this March. The specs and features of the new device also have not yet been confirmed, but analysts say it will not have the 3D Touch feature present in the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, according to Gotta Be Mobile.

Analysts say the iPad Air 3 will sport a new design that includes a Smart Connector for a physical keyboard. The tablet may also boast of a rear camera flash and the iPad Pro's four-speaker design, the report details.

In addition, Apple's next tablet will most likely come pre-installed with the iOS 9.3. It will also include the Night Shift mode for better nighttime use of the device, the report relays.

While the exact release date of the iPad Air 3 still remains unknown, 9to5Mac says the Cupertino-based tech giant is planning to conduct a special event on Mar. 14, PC Advisor reports. If this is true, then Apple is expected to begin sending out invitations for the event by late February. It is worth noting that the firm sent out its invites for its March 2015 event on Feb. 26.

Usually, Apple's new iPads become available on shelves two weeks after they are unveiled. Pre-orders for the latest tablet will most likely begin right after the event ends.

Rumor has it that the iPad Air 3 will be even stronger and thinner compared to its 6.1mm predecessor. It may also come in Gold, Silver, Slate Grey, and Rose Gold color options. The device is expected to run the powerful A9X chip and sport a 9.7-inch screen with a 2048 x 1536 resolution.

The iPad Air 3 is estimated to come with a price tag of around £399 ($573) for the WiFi 16 GB variant. The WiFi + Cellular 128 GB variant may cost around £659 ($947).