iPad Air 3 release date, specs rumors: Smaller iPad Pro to be released March 2016 instead?

Previous reports said that Apple will release the iPad Air 3 in March together with the new 4-inch iPhone aka iPhone 5se. There might also be some news about the Apple Watch. While there is still no official word from Apple about what's about to happen at the said event, there are some who are now speculating that the company might not release an iPad Air 3.

According to 9to5Mac, Apple might release a smaller version of the iPad Pro instead of a new iPad Air. What led them to this speculation is the way Apple released the recent MacBook Pro and not calling it a 12-inch MacBook Air even though it has almost the same specs.

9to5Mac is calling it a "smaller iPad Pro" since it is rumored to be 9.7 inches, compared to the 12.9-inch size of the previous iPad. It is said to be 6.2 mm think and 169.7 mm wide to give space for the Smart Connector that allows it to connect to the Smart Keyboard or other accessories. 

During the release of the iPad Pro, Apple introduced the Apple Pencil. This might also be included in the upcoming smaller iPad Pro. It might also have an upgrade to the A9X processor and RAM. Other than that, it is said to have the same specs and features with the older iPad Pro. 

The Cupertino-based giant is also said to cease manufacturing the iPad mini and first generation iPad Air to give the new products a much cleaner lineup. Meanwhile, prices for the smaller iPad will reportedly range from $799 to $1,079, closer to the prices of the previous iPads.

Apple has yet to release a statement on when and where the event will take place.