The iPad Air 3 was noticeably absent from Apple's 2015 lineup, but things figure to change soon, as the latest rumors suggest that the tablet will finally be released this year and perhaps even earlier than some might have expected.

According to a note from KGI Securities analyst and noted tipster Ming-Chi Kuo and as reported on by Apple Insider, he believes that Apple is planning to release the new version of the iPad Air sometime this coming spring. Kuo goes on to say that he believes Apple could announce the iPad Air 3 as early as March.

A March debut for the iPad Air 3 would certainly be quite the surprise, given how Apple has previously held firm to the pattern of releasing their new tablets during the fall.

Just last year, Apple launched the iPad Pro during the fall timeframe, as they yet again adhered to their pattern of releasing new tablets during that particular part of the year. 

The iPad Air 3 has also been rumored for a September launch, according to IT Pro UK, and that could still end up being the case.

For now, folks who are interested in the iPad Air 3 will have to stay tuned to further updates to find more about when the new tablet might be launched.

Kuo also predicted that the iPad Air 3 would not include the 3D Touch feature that has been present in a variety of other Apple devices. 

As for the other specs of the iPad Air 3, it is currently expected to feature the A9X processor as well as up to 128 GB of internal storage upon launch.

The new tablet will also likely be featuring the latest iteration of the iOS software upon being released.

More details about the release of the iPad Air 3 are expected to be revealed in the weeks ahead.