While last year's 9.7-inch iPad Pro managed to garner positive feedbacks from tech buffs, the Cupertino-based company's current generation iPhone failed to sweep gadget freaks off their feet. The device came bearing an iPhone 6S-like cosmetic appearance while iPhone fanatics were expecting something contemporary. Learning a lesson from last year, Apple is rumored to be hard at works on "something new" for 2017.

iPad Air 3 Release Date

Apple is reportedly gearing up to take the technology realm by storm during March this year when it finally takes the wraps off its long-awaited iPad Air 3. The rumor stems from a previous report from credible tech analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who claimed that Apple will be unveiling three new iPads including a new iPad Air 3 throughout this year, GigJets reported.

While it is worth noting that Kuo has a history of correctly predicting what aces Apple has up its sleeve, another report from DigiTimes suggests these tablets will not arrive until the second half of the year. The publication cites sources from the related upstream supply chain.

iPad Air 3 Specs, Features & Price

The rumor mill has been swirling all sorts of speculations around the purported iPad Air 3 some going as far as indicating that the latest iPad in Apple's Air line will be up for grabs in a 9.7 and 10.5-inch variant. The tablet will come bearing a price tag of about $400-$500 and will boast key hardware updates as well as innovative features.

Under the hood, the iPad Air 3 will pack Apple's powerful A9X processor. The highly-anticipated tablet will also support Apple Pencil and will feature four-speaker audio system.

The iPad Air 3 will boast a thinner (6.1 mm thick) and lighter design compared to its precursor. There's word that the iPad Air 3 will be made from a comparatively stronger aluminum alloy which makes it more shock resistant.

The 9.7-inch iPad could be trotted out as an entry-level device," exclusively designed for the education sector. The display unit of the 9.7-inch iPad will be made by Seoul Semiconductor, which ousts the current supplier.