Apple To Release iPad Air 3, iPad Mini 4 And 12.9-inch iPad Pro This Autumn

Apple is expected to unleash the iPad Air 3, the iPad Mini 4 and a 12.9-inch iPad Pro in the fall. Rumors are the Cupertino, California, giant will be launching the iPad Mini 4 with enhanced features but the iPad Air 3 will have only minor improvements.

MacRumors cites Macotakara.jp's claims the iPad Air 3 will be upgraded to the Apple A9 chipset. The form factor of the newer iPad will not be different than iPad Air 2.

It further claims since the company aims to concentrate on rolling out on the bigger 12.9-inch iPad Pro, no significant improvements will arrive on the iPad Air 3. It is expected to release before the holiday season.

As for the iPad Mini 4, the source says it will be slimmer than last year’s model, with a thickness of 6.1 mm (0.24 inch). It adds the iPad Mini 3 will be a mini version of the iPad Air 2 and fitted with an upgraded iSight 8 megapixel camera. The fully laminated screen will feature an antireflective coating to make viewing in direct sunlight possible. The iPad Mini 4 is also likely to feature the A9 chipset.

In 2014, the iPad Mini 3 received mixed reaction mainly because it came with no major improvements except for the inclusion of features like the fingerprint sensor and a gold color option.

The 12.9-inch IPad Pro will be released at the end of November.

As of this writing, there is no confirmation of the existence of the iPad Air 3, iPad Mini 4 and iPad Pro, but rumors claim all the three iPads will be showcased in autumn.

BGR said even though the iPhone is generating good revenue for Apple, sales of its tablets are dwindling, with revenue dropping 23 percent in the past five years.

Rumors had also hinted that the company is considering shutting down its tablets lineup. However, CEO Tim Cook said in April that the company will continue creating iPads and predicted increased sales in the near future.