Is This the End of the iPad Air Era?

The long anticipated release of the next generation of the iPad is thought by industry experts to be launched on March 21. Up until now, most people expected the new iPad release to be named iPad Air 3.

Just yesterday, 9to5Mac reported Apple will be announcing a 9.7in iPad Pro to team up with the larger 12.9in predecessor released last fall.  If that is the case, then the iPad Air era will come to end.

Why iPad Pro?

The switch in naming scheme does make sense when you consider many speculative reports that the new iPad will share the iPad Pro's A9X processor and RAM, and is thought to support the recently released Apple Pencil.

9to5Mac is also claiming that Apple is developing a smaller version of its Smart Keyboard attachment that will connect to the new iPad via Apple's smart connect technology that debuted on the 12.9in iPad Pro.

iPad Pro 9.7in (iPad Air 3) Speculated Features
Although not official, here is a summary of speculated features and pricing of the new iPad Pro 9.7in (iPad Air 3) :

• 9.7in screen with 4K screen resolution of 2,334 x 3,112 (much higher than the iPad Air 2)
• iPad Pro's A9X processing chip
• Between 2GB and 4GB of RAM (I would assume a bump to 4GB would make most sense)
• 5mm thick (or should I say thin!) with possible IP rating for water and dust resistance
• 4 stereo speakers (similar to the 12.9in iPad Pro)
• The newer smart connector port (provides access to the Apple's Smart Keyboard)
• 8 to 12 megapixel back panel (iSight) camera with an LED Flash (would be the first iPad to feature a flash)
• Touch ID Button built-in to the home button
• Centralized Lightening connector at the bottom
• It is unclear whether Apple will be using pressure-sensative 3D Touch (now offered in the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus)
• Battery capacity is unknown at the moment (look for capacity to be around 10 hours max)
• Pricing - $499 for the Wi-Fi entry-level and likely to be in the range of $829 for the high-end Wi-Fi + Cellular model

Keep in mind, none of these specs/prices have been confirmed by Apple. That being said, we will find out in a couple of weeks what the next 9.7-inch iPad will bring.

Last Word
Even when the iPad Pro 9.7in releases, the iPad Air 2 will still be a solid tablet — it’s not like it will suddenly experience serious degradation once the new iPad releases. With that said, along with a new release, Apple has traditionally dropped the price of the preceding iPad model by as much as $150 depending on the configuration. Expect possible greater discounts from retailers.

So, if you’re considering buying a new iPad, consider snatching the iPad Air 2, especially if you want to save a little cash.

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 iPad (and Apple Rumor) Expert Dave
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About Dave:

Hello,
I am Dave Rebro ("iPad Expert Dave" & "The Paperless Professional"), a leading technology authority in Wisconsin and across the web. I've been helping professionals from all fields better their understanding, comfort level, and usage of technology for over 20 years. I take great pride in and specialize in helping clients better leverage existing technologies, find new innovative solutions, relieve technology frustrations, build more confidence, save time, work smarter, and make more money with the help of technology. (And occasionally talk them down from the sometimes "scary" technology ledge!) ;-)

Mobility = Profitability.

Apple mobile technologies (like the iPad,  iPhone, and Evernote) is my passion, and I love to educate and coach professionals who want to take their business to a whole new mobile level, work more efficiently, create a five-star customer experience, and become mobile paperless rock stars.

My mission is to creatively teach and inspire hundreds of thousands of people to simplify and make day-to-day tasks easier through technology so they can improve, grow, and expand their business or life.

I appreciate you reading my article, and I look forward to connecting with you!