It seems that Apple fans will have to wait a little longer before getting their hands on a new and upgraded version of the iPad. 

According to recent reports by Apple observer sites, particularly Apple Insider, although Apple may indeed launch its new iPhones in an upcoming fall schedule, fans who are waiting for an update for their tablet products will more than likely see a new iPad mini rather than the rumored iPad Air 3. Citing Chinese site DigiTimes, the website claims that tablet hardware and supply chains are exploring other tech ventures such as smartphones and wearables due to Apple, presumably their biggest customer for tablet-related supplies, getting conservative on its tablet outlook. 

According to DigiTimes, their sources indicate that with Apple turning conservative about its tablet production line, the company will be shelving development of a successor to the iPad Air lineup. Instead, it will be releasing its fourth-gen iPad mini. Since the upcoming mini product has more in common with its predecessor, developing the new mini with the same components and hardware resources as the third-gen one will be to Apple's best interests. 

The report by DigiTimes corroborates an earlier claim by another publication, Economic Daily News, which stated that Apple will be foregoing the iPad Air 3 in favor of the smaller iPad mini 4 and a larger 12.9-inch iPad Pro. 

However, speculations still place an iPad Air 3 launch this year, in line with Apple's rollout of other flagship devices for its lineup. Having a new iPad will snag Apple some percentage of the competitor's market, with other notable tablets already out. Moreover, having an upgraded iPad Air 3 will also showcase the new iOS 9, another Apple innovation rumored to be released later this year.