Although Apple has just announced a slew of new devices and products during its event last month, some fans are still asking questions. Apple has announced the new iPad Pro as one of the flagships of its tablet lineup. However, since the newly announced hybrid is more for professional-level use, some fans are wondering when the media- and entertainment-centric iPad Air 3 will be out. Observers are also wondering if the Cupertino-based company still has something up its sleeves, as a new iPad Air was conspicuously absent during the event.

According to previous rumors, a new iPad Air was originally slated to be released this year. However, with the solid information that a major competitor, Microsoft, is readying its Surface Pro 4 unveiling, the Cupertino-based company decided to shift its focus to the iPad Pro instead. Christian Post noted that the iPad Air 3 was put in the backburner, with the release pushed back to next year. Allegedly, the new iPad Air will debut in the first months of 2016, March at the latest.

The rumor that the iPad Air 3 will launch next year counters some speculations that Apple has only delayed the launch for a month or so. According to company follower CultofMac, although the device could launch next year, it cannot be also discounted that the iPad Air 3 may also launch later this year. After all, this will be a good chance for Apple to pair the professional-level iPad Pro with the new iPad Air, focused to be marketed for casual tablet users and Apple fans.

Although the iPad Air lineup is for casual users of Apple products, the alleged features and specs of the new tablet can still be listed as above-average. According to rumors, the new iPad Air will have significant changes and improvements over its previous iterations. The iPad Air 3 will allegedly use the new A9X processor with 2- to 4-GB RAM, and will also feature a 9.7-inch Retina display with 4K resolution.