The iPad Air 2 was launched as far back as October 2014 and since then Apple has launched the iPad Pro and other devices. MacWorld reports that this is a clear indication that the anticipated iPad Air 3 may never be released as the iPad Pro may have already filled the gap. 

The original iPad Pro was 12.9 inches but since then Apple has released a 9.7-inch variant, and according to the report, this smaller version of the iPad Pro may make it unnecessary for Apple to launch a similar device that comes at a similar price range. For this reason the iPad Air 3 may have been silently cancelled.

It is also pointed out that the iPad Air 3 was expected to make an appearance at this year's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) but was a no-show, with Apple instead focusing primarily on WatchOS 3.0 and iOS 10. Despite this, fans still hold on to a potential October release or a late launch in spring 2017.

According to the report, rumors have become rampant that the iPad Air 3's release is imminent and soon due to the fact that an eBay seller, Quick Shop Electronics, is starting to sell the discontinued 128GB iPad Air 2 for $449.99 instead of the retail price of $699.99.

MacWorld points out that Quick Shop Electronics has no connections to Apple and could be selling the old iPad Air 2 model just to get rid of it from their inventory as newer models are coming out each year. The report also points out that Apple does not release discounts prior to the launch of a new product.

Instead, Apple reportedly stops production of a model and allows the remaining stock to be sold before launching a new product on the market.

With the iPad Air 2 2 years old and with no successor on the horizon, it is possible that the 9.7-inch iPad Pro is its official successor.