Apple reportedly preparing 9.7-inch iPad Pro instead of iPad Air 3

While Apple's rumored upcoming 9.7-inch tablet was thought to be called the iPad Air 3, a new report claims that it will actually be joining the company's iPad Pro lineup. The tablet is said to feature the same processor as the the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, along with support for the Apple Pencil and a smaller version of the Smart Keyboard accessory that first debuted in fall 2015.

From 9to5Mac:

The new 9.7-inch iPad Pro will debut at Apple's Tuesday, March 15th event and begin shipping as soon as March 18th, we previously reported. The smaller iPad Pro will have nearly identical features and specifications as the bigger model, bringing along the A9X processor and RAM upgrades from the 12.9-inch model. It will also include the 12.9-inch model's updated display technology to support the Apple Pencil.

The new 9.7-inch iPad has previously been rumored to feature the same four-speaker setup as the current iPad Pro as well. The tablet is also said to be launching alongside the rumored iPhone 5se, Apple's new 4-inch iPhone, which will also reportedly debut on March 15.

Joseph Keller

Joseph Keller is the former Editor in Chief of iMore. An Apple user for almost 20 years, he spends his time learning the ins and outs of iOS and macOS, always finding ways of getting the most out of his iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac.