Apple’s iPad Air 3 will have a Smart Connector, iPad Pro speakers, as well as LED flash if photos and sketches of the next generation iPad Air reported by 9 To 5 Mac prove to be true. The most recent leaked designs from third-party sources spotted by Macotakara reveal iPad cases in production align with previous rumors regarding the next iPad Air's features.
The photo above matches the predicted design of the 9.7-inch iPad Air 3. A slot for a Smart Connector port, a tiny opening suggesting rear flash and space for 4 speakers are all also shown in a recent sketch of the device provided by French site Nowhereelse.
The 4-speaker feature looks very similar to the iPad Pro, which produces louder sound than previous models. However the rest of the design itself appears to be nearly identical to the iPad Air 2. iPad Pro speakers are capable of automatically balancing audio output levels relative to the position of the device.
The rumored Smart Connector access would allow the iPad Air 3 to support accessories similar to the iPad Pro, such as the Smart Keyboard or Apple Pencil. The iPad Air 3 would be the first iPad to get flash. No previous iPads support a flash feature, including the iPad Pro.
9to5Mac reports Apple will announce the iPad Air 3 at the March Event where the iPhone 5se, and new Apple Watch bands are also expected to be revealed.
