Fans have been waiting for a long time for Apple to update its iPad lineups outside of the iPad Pro iteration. Speculations suggest that later this year, the Cupertino-based tech giant will reveal the much-awaited iPad Air 3 and the iPad Mini 5.

According to rumors, Apple is targeting an October unveiling for the new slates. While The Cupertino-based tech maker is reportedly holding a launch event next month, it will be for showcasing the iPhone 7 and the Apple Watch 2. This will have Apple schedule two separate late-2016 events for its new product lineups.

As for the rumored October event, Apple will reportedly highlight the much-awaited iPad Air 3. Previously, the new iPad Air slate is said to release last year, but Apple decided to re-schedule its intended release and instead went for an iPad Pro launch. The planned October debut of the iPad Air 3 is already its fourth supposed unveiling date, since the iPad Air tablet failed to appear at the March launch event and this year's WWDC event.

Meanwhile, it is said that Apple is also planning to release the next iteration in its iPad Mini lineup, and that the two slates will have co-release schedule. This means that fans may expect both the 9.7-inch iPad Air 3 and the 7.9-inch iPad Mini addition to be revealed at one press event, and quite possibly along other lineups like the new MacBooks.

As to what fans can expect from the new iPad tablets, it is said that the iPad Air 3 and iPad Mini 5 will feature improvements and major upgrades over their predecessors. This means a bump in under-the-hood specs like processor and RAM, and may even feature new details like improved 3D Touch, a new display tech, and overhauled body and design.