Apple iPad Air 3 Rumors: Specs Could Include 4K Display, 4GB RAM; March Announcement Tipped

After the release of the gigantic iPad Pro, Apple is reportedly gearing up to release the iPad Air 3. Fresh rumors from China say the upcoming iPad Air 2 successor will have top-of-the-shelf configurations and design changes like never before. In comparison, the predecessor did not go through any radical design change from the original iPad Air.

According to DigiTimes citing supply chain sources, Apple's 9.7-inch iPad Air 3 will sport 4K display resolution, while most of the devices released recently flaunt 2K or QHD screen resolution. To top it off, not 3 GB but 4 GB of RAM has been rumored to be part of the slate, along with improvements to battery life.

Notably, 4K display on a 9.7-inch screen will take the viewing experience to another level when compared to the 12.9-inch display clad iPad Pro with 2,048 x 2,732 pixels resolution. The A9X processor is believed to power the tablet. However, there will apparently be no 3D-touch related features in the iPad Air 3. This is the same case with Apple’s upcoming compact device iPhone 6c as well.

Other rumored iPad Air 3 specifications include an 8-megapixel rear-facing snapper, in addition to a 2.1-megapixel secondary sensor for selfies. This slate is believed to be ultra-thin at just 5 mm. Similar to other high-end devices, this tablet will also house a fingerprint scanner on the home button.

As far as the iPad Air 3 release date goes, March has been tipped as the possible timeframe of announcement. However, the same source said the new iPad will not go into production until the second quarter of 2016. Companies like GIS and TPK Holding will apparently supply touch panels. In addition, GIS will also supply LCD modules and backlighting, Apple Insider reported.