The iPad Air 3 is still expected to be released by Apple with rumors looking at a March 2017 release, which is around the time the iPad Pro 2 models are expected to be released.

The status of the iPad Air has been in a state of uncertainty ever since the Cupertino-based tech firm came out last year with the iPad Pro, which sported the same display size (9.7 inches) as the iPad Air.

With Apple putting greater importance on the new tablet and the fact that the iPad Air 3 did not show up last year despite the expectations that it will, the iPad Air could be in danger of being discontinued.

Although the iPad Air 3 might not see the light of day, Apple might make up for it with the low-cost iPad Pro that is coming out next year, as per reputable KGI Securities analyst Ming Chi-Kuo.

Should this be the case, Apple could be repositioning the iPad Air lineup as an economic version of the iPad Pro and is dropping the Air moniker altogether.

If the iPad Air 3 and the low-cost iPad Pro that Kuo was referring to are one and the same, fans can expect an A9X processor under the tablet's hood, which is the primary reason it will be easy on the pocket.

Although the A10X chipset is Apple's next big thing, the A9X processor is still an upgrade from the iPad Air 2, which was powered by the A8X processor.

The purported iPad Air 3 is also expected to offer up 4 GB RAM, which is double than what its predecessor had. Add to that an 8-megapixel primary camera and a 2.1-megapixel selfie snapper.

There is no other information with regards to the iPad Air 3, which is also a cause for concern about the device. Despite this, it is expected to arrive by March next year along with iPad Pro 2 units.