Apple has sent invites for a press event where the company is highly likely to take the wraps off the iPad Air 3, also dubbed 9.7-inch iPad Pro. There are many rumors circling the tech industry about the upcoming Apple tablet. Here is all what we know about the smaller iPad Pro.
Screen
The iPad Pro to be launched at the March 21 event will succeed the iPad Air 2. Just like its predecessor, the upcoming tablet is expected to feature a 9.7-inch display.
The tablet is also estimated to get updated display technology, which will result in a brighter display.
Processor And RAM
The 12.9-inch iPad Pro comes with Apple's latest A9X processor. The 9.7-inch iPad Pro is speculated to get the same processor that will enhance its performance in comparison to the iPad Air 2.
"At the heart of iPad Pro lies the new A9X, our third‑generation chip with 64‑bit desktop‑class architecture. It delivers up to 1.8 times the CPU performance and double the graphics performance of iPad Air 2. So even the most demanding apps run effortlessly," says Apple.
The smaller iPad Pro may have RAM in the range of 2 GB to 4 GB.
Storage
Apple is offering the iPad Air 2 in 16 GB, 64 GB and 128 GB internal storage options. The successor of the tablet is expected to get the same on-board memory.
Camera
Rumors claim that the 9.7-inch iPad Pro may come with a 12-megapixel camera with the capability of recording 4K videos.
Leaked smaller iPad Pro case image suggests that the tablet may also have LED flash, which will offer better quality images in low-light conditions.
Speakers
The 12.9-inch iPad Pro has four speakers. Leaked drawing of the next-generation 9.7-inch iPad shows that the smaller iPad Pro will also have quad speakers for better audio output.
However, leaked 9.7-inch iPad Pro case image does not have space for sound grills for four speakers.
Support for Smart Keyboard
The original iPad Pro has a Smart Connector that makes it easier for users to connect the Smart Keyboard to the tablet. The smaller version of the iPad is expected to get this Smart Connector as well.
Support for Apple Pencil
For the first time in Apple's history, the company launched a stylus called Apple Pencil, which is intended to enhance the productivity of iPad Pro owners.
"You may never have seen Apple Pencil before, but you already know how to use it. From the first moment, it does what you expect. And then far more. Whether you're sketching in the park, painting a watercolor portrait, or drafting a blueprint, Apple Pencil gives you a variety of tools in a single instrument. You hold it, but it doesn't hold you back," says Apple.
Speculations are high that the smaller iPad Pro will also have support for the Apple Pencil.
Colors
The iPad Air 2 is available in three colors: Space Grey, Gold and Silver. Rumors suggest that the smaller iPad Pro may also get the Rose Gold color.
3D Touch
Apple has deployed a pressure-sensitive technology called 3D Touch in its iPhone 6s and the iPhone 6s Plus. Previous reports have pointed that Apple is working on a scalable 3D Touch, which can be used on bigger iDevices such as iPads.
iPad lovers will hope for 3D Touch to make its way to the smaller iPad Pro. However, experts believe that Apple may not use the technology in the next-generation iPad that will be launched in March.
Release Date
Apple has confirmed nothing about the smaller iPad Pro. If the company launches the launches the tablet on March 21, it may hit the shelves on March 25, which is Good Friday.
Price
The iPad Air 2 has a starting price tag of $499. Rumors suggest that the arrival of a new 9.7-inch tablet will result in Apple reducing the price of iPad Air 2 and pricing the new iPad in the range of $499.
March 21 is not far and iPad enthusiasts will have to wait and see if Apple launches a 9.7-inch iPad at the event.
