Every year Apple introduces a new version of its beloved iPad. At times it’s a complete redesign (like the iPad Air); some years we get only an incremental upgrade (like the iPad Air 2); and on rare occasions there is a completely new addition to the lineup (like the iPad Mini). This year, unlike ever before, Apple is doing all three things together!
iPad Air 3: Bread and Butter
There were rumours that, this year, Apple would overlook its flagship iPad Air and continue the current iPad Air 2 model till 2016. It was a hard pill to swallow, considering that iPad Airs are the biggest sellers from the iPad catalogue.
Thankfully, later reports rubbished the ‘no update’ claims and confirmed that iPad Air 3 was being launched. However, don’t expect radical changes to the Air family. Most likely, the only major change will be the introduction of Force Touch, accompanied by incremental updates in processors and memory.
iPad Mini 4: Back in the Game
Last year’s iPad Mini 3 was more of a formality than a real update. It literally had only one change – the addition of Touch ID. There were serious questions raised about the future of this 7.9-inch iPad, especially after the launch of the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus.
We are happy to report that according to the latest leaks, the iPad Mini is not just surviving, but also getting a big update. iPad Mini 4 is expected to draw design inspirations from iPad Air 2 and will match its 6.1mm thinness. It will also get the anti-glare lamination, an 8 megapixel rear camera, and a processor upgrade. Welcome back Mr. Mini!
iPad Pro: The Big Brother
We saved the best of the last. The headlines grabber of this year’s iPad event will be the 12.9 inches iPad Pro (or whatever other name Apple chooses). It’s a completely new iPad in every sense and it’s meant to replace the ‘media consumption device’ tag with the ‘work production device’ label. It will thus feature a faster A9 processor and 2GB RAM. iPad Pro is also likely to come with a never before USB port and a stylus. Yes, you read it right – A stylus!
There are also speculations about an ultra high resolution display with 2732 X 2048 resolution. iPad Pro’s Macbook size screen will be perfectly suited for iOS 9’s split screen feature (it allows you to run 2 apps side-by-side) and is expected to have a customised keyboard with extra keys. In every other regard, this Pro model will be similar to iPad Air 3.
Will the iPad Pro reinvent the tablets market? Will iPad Air 3 be a worthy upgrade? Will iPad Mini 4 revive the love for pocket size tablets? Nobody knows. But one thing is clear, this year’s iPad launch event will be the most fascinating one since the launch of the original iPad.
