The iPad Air 3 was initially believed to launch by October 2015 given that the iPad Air 2 and the original iPad Air were all released in the month of October. According to a report from 9to5Mac, it is even possible that the iPad Air 3 will not be making an appearance at this year's Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC).

According to the report, Apple usually uses the WWDC platform to launch some of their products but this year's event is going to focus more on software. The report points out that during this year's event Apple is more likely going to present the brand new iOS update, likely to be iOS 10 as well as an update for Apple WatchOS and tvOS. 

With the stronger focus on software there may not be room for a presentation for a brand new device like the iPad Air 3. However, fans speculate that if the iOS 10 is indeed releasing this June then it may be bundled with the Air 3 if not the previously released iPad Pro. iOS 10 is expected to be built-in by default with the next iteration of iPhone. 

MacWorld reports that the iPad Pro, particularly the new smaller build, may have officially replaced the need for an iPad Air 3. With the iPad Pro models catering to consumers that want either a large, work-efficient tablet or the smaller version best suitable for travel purposes, the iPad Air 3 becomes an unnecessary option that only has the benefit of being less expensive. 

However, it is noted that Apple has released both the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro simultaneously and this may indicate that the iPad Air 3 can still be released alongside the iPad Pro. Apple has yet to make an official statement regarding the future of the iPad Air 3 but to date there are no indications that the device is still scheduled for release.