One of the most anticipated device expected to ship out this year is the Apple iPad Air 3. However, there are rumors claiming that the Cupertino-based tech giant have other plans for its flagship tablet device. The most recent to surface is that Apple is not planning to release an iPad Air 3, instead it will release the iPad Pro with 9.7-inch screen.

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Just like the MacBook Pro which is available in two size variants, 13-inch and 15-inch models, the iPad Pro will be available in two variants as well depending on its screen size, 9.7-inch and 12.9-inch. The rumored iPad Pro will also follow the naming scheme of its MacBook counterpart which ditches the Air branding.

Reports claim that the new 9.7-inch iPad Pro will debut on March 15 at an Apple scheduled event. Shipment of the device will commence as soon as March 18.

The smaller iPad has almost identical specs with its bigger model. Both comes with the powerful A9X processor and RAM upgrades. Just like the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, the 9.7-inch model will have an updated display technology in order to support the Apple Pencil, according to Apple Insider.

Previous rumors claim that the 9.7-inch iPad Pro model will include a Smart Connector. Now, new rumors are claiming that Apple is also upgrading the upcoming device to support the Smart Keyboard cover attachment which should be ready for the March release.

Just like the bigger 12.9-inch iPad Pro, the smaller model will also sport quad stereo speakers and larger storage capacities. Color variants are also believed to be the same with both models.

Tech experts believe that Apple is planning to simplify its tablet market with the release of the new iPad model. According to 9to5Mac, sources close to the company claim that Apple is downgrading the production of older iPad mini and original iPad Air models. There are also rumors claiming that Apple will most likely discontinue the iPad Mini 2 and first-generation iPad Air once the new device is launched.

As for other devices in Apple's repertoire, the 4-inch iPhone 5se with an A9 chip and Live Photos support is also expected to be launched alongside the new iPad Pro.