Apple will not be calling the rumored next generation of the 9.7-inch iPad the iPad Air 3, according to 9to5Mac. Instead, Apple will rope the new iPad Air into the iPad Pro family line, calling it the 9.7-inch iPad Pro.
While it is unknown if this differentiation will affect price, it bolsters hopes that the 9.7-inch iPad Pro will support iPad Pro only accessories, such as the Apple Pencil and and Smart Keyboard. The Smart Keyboard needs Smart Connector ports to connect to an iPad, something that has only been included with the iPad Pro.
Another iPad Pro only feature is its dynamic speaker setup, which compensates for how the iPad Pro is held and adjusts treble and bass output in each individual speaker accordingly.
Unfortunately, it’s not likely that Apple will incorporate 3D Touch on the 9.7-inch iPad Pro. The iPad Pro was released sans the feature as well, with 3D Touch capability remaining an iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus only.
Apple is expected to announce the 9.7-inch iPad Pro at the Apple March 2016 Event alongside an updated 4-inch iPhone, the iPhone 5se. Both devices are rumored to have the current generation A9 and A9x processor chips included currently in the iPhone 6s and iPad Pro. The current rumored-fueled Internet hypothesis pegs both devices becoming available for purchase March 18.
