iPad Air

New iPad model rumored to start at $599, same 32/128GB tiers as iPad Pro

Christian Zibreg ∙ March 18, 2016

According to a fresh new rumor based on sources familiar with the matter, Apple's upcoming iPad model, describes as either a third-generation iPad Air with the A9X chip, Smart Connector and Apple Pencil support or a smaller 9.7-inch iPad Pro, is expected to start at $599 for a baseline Wi-Fi-only model with thirty-two gigabytes of storage. In addition, as reported by 9to5Mac, the device should be offered in the same 32/128GB configurations as the iPad Pro.

Apple sends out invites for March 21 event: “Let us loop you in”

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 28, 2019

Following weeks of speculation, Apple on Thursday sent out invites for a media event later this month that should serve as a launchpad for new iPhone and iPad models, Apple Watch bands and possibly more.

The press event will be held at Apple's Cupertino campus on Monday, March 21, 2016, at 10:00am PT, and will be live-streamed using HTTP Live Streaming.

As you may have guessed, iDownloadBlog will continue covering everything there's to know about about Apple's product refreshes.

Claimed iPad Air 3 case has holes for quad speakers, Smart Connector and more

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated May 16, 2016

After posting images of a purported iPhone 7 case with holes for a pair of speaker grilles and dual cameras on the back, gadget leaker Steve Hemmerstoffer today posted on Twitter images of a claimed iPad Air 3 case.

Corroborating the notion that Apple's third-generation iPad Air is basically a smaller, 9.7-inch iPad Pro with the same A9X processor, Smart Connector and a four-speaker setup like the iPad Pro, the images show off openings in the right places for quad speakers and the Smart Connector.

iPad Air 3 and iPhone 5se will run A9X and A9 chips

Christian Zibreg ∙ February 19, 2016

A third-generation iPad Air will run an 'A9X' processor and an 'iPhone 5se' will be outfitted with Apple's 'A9' chip, according to Bloomberg Bussinessweek's profile of Johny Srouji, Senior Vice President of Hardware Technologies.

“In March, Apple intends to announce an updated iPad and smaller-screen iPhone featuring the latest A9x and A9 chips, according to a person familiar with the plans, who wasn’t authorized to comment publicly,” reads a passage from the Bloomberg article.

Twelve South updates BookBooks for iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 4, previews BookBook for iPad Pro

Christian Zibreg ∙ February 2, 2016

Premium, Apple-exclusive accessory maker Twelve South has refreshed its lineup of vintage leather cases that offer both protection and nice disguise with two new versions, one for the iPad Air 2 and the other for the iPad mini 4. In addition, the company has previewed a BookBook case for the iPad Pro, which will be shipping this Spring.

BookBook for iPad Pro will have “features that complete your iPad Pro,” including a display stand, a built-in sketching angle and an integrated pocket to protect and store your Apple Pencil.

Apple said to unveil new 4-inch iPhone 5se, iPad Air 3 and new Apple Watch bands on March 15

Christian Zibreg ∙ February 2, 2016

Apple is currently planning to hold a media event on Tuesday, March 15, to formally unveil a rumored new four-inch iPhone 5se, a third-generation iPad Air and new Apple Watch band options, according to a report this morning by 9to5Mac's reliable Mark Gurman.

“As the scheduled event is still a month-and-a-half away, the date could conceivably still shift or turn into an online announcement,” cautioned Gurman.

New iPad Air 3 design drawing reaffirms quad speaker and Smart Keyboard rumor

Christian Zibreg ∙ February 1, 2016

Another iPad Air 3 design drawing, published Monday by Engadget, seems to support the thesis that the forthcoming device refresh will be outfitted with four speakers and include support for the Smart Connector. As you know, both of these features have made their debut with last fall's release of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

The alleged design drawing follows a similar image which the French blog NowhereElse.fr posted a week ago. That drawing gave us our first glimpse into the Smart Connector and four speakers, both of which are now believed to be in tow for the iPad Air 3.

iPad Air 3 rumored to have 4K screen, 4GB of RAM and improved battery

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 28, 2016

Apple is widely expected to announce a third-generation iPad Air at a March event in a few weeks time and the latest supply chain chatter has it that the device will come outfitted with an ultra sharp display boasting a 4K resolution, or nearly four times the pixels of Apple's current-generation 9.7-inch 2,048-by-1,536 pixel Retina display.

According to Taiwanese trade publication DigiTimes, it'll also have an improved battery life and feature four gigabytes of RAM versus the iPad Air 2's two gigs of RAM.

Leaked iPad Air 3 design drawing points to four speakers and LED flash

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 25, 2016

A purported drawing published Monday by French blog NowhereElse.fr indicates that Apple's third-generation iPad Air might borrow the iPad Pro's four-speaker setup for better audio reproduction.

In addition, the tablet could sport a LED flash. The site has obtained the design drawing from a fairly reliable source though it couldn't vouch for the veracity of the leaked image.

KGI: 3D Touch-less iPad Air 3 due in H1 2016

Christian Zibreg ∙ December 15, 2015

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo shared some interesting predictions for 2016 iPhones and iPads in a note sent to clients this morning, a copy of which was obtained by MacRumors.

For starters, Kuo is adamant that the third-generation iPad Air will be arriving in the first half of next year. The tablet won't be outfitted with a pressure-sensing screen due to alleged production issues related to building a 9.7-inch 3D Touch sensor array.

DisplayMate: iPad Pro has stellar screen, but not better than iPad mini 4

Christian Zibreg ∙ November 17, 2015

Apple's new iPad Pro with its massive 12.9 inch screen offers a stellar viewing experience but the device doesn't quite match the quality of the iPad mini 4's screen, according to an excruciating barrage of mobile display tests conducted by technology experts over at DisplayMate.

Surprisingly, the iPad Pro's panel ranks slightly lower than that on Microsoft's new Surface Pro 4 tablet/laptop hybrid and earns the same “A” rating as the iPad mini 4.

T-Mobile now offering iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 4 with JUMP! On Demand leasing program

Christian Zibreg ∙ October 28, 2015

According to wireless carrier T-Mobile Thursday, qualified customers can now pick up Apple's iPad Air 2 or the fourth-generation iPad mini by taking advantage of the company's 18-month leasing program, called JUMP! On Demand.

The baseline iPad Air 2 configuration with sixteen gigabytes of storage is available with $0 down and eighteen installments at $26 per month. The entry-level 16GB iPad mini 4 starts at $22 per month with $0 due upfront. Both devices are LTE models.