Roger Fingas
Apple's next 9.7-inch iPad — commonly referred to as the "iPad Air 3" — could sport features like a 4K display and 4 gigabytes of RAM while simultaneously offering better battery life, supply chain sources claimed on Thursday.
The device will be announced in March, but only go into production in the second quarter, the sources told DigiTimes. Two firms, GIS and TPK Holding, will allegedly supply touch panels, with GIS also handling LCD modules and backlighting.
These claims may be questionable not just because of DigiTimes' mixed track record with Apple products but because Apple rarely announces a product before mass production starts. This practice has traditionally been reserved for major new product lines, like the iPhone or the Apple Watch.
Upgrading the Air to a 4K display would also give the tablet a sharper resolution than the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, which runs at 2048 by 2732 pixels. Apple might want such a feature, however, to offer more reasons to upgrade beyond just faster performance.
The sources added that the new Air won't come with 3D Touch, a claim that would be consistent with recent indications that Apple isn't bringing the technology to iPads anytime soon.
Reports have suggested that Apple could introduce a new Air model at a March press event, though the focus of that event is expected to be on things like a new 4-inch iPhone.
Christine McKee
Stephen Silver
Charles Martin
Amber Neely
42 Comments
And my one word refutation of this rumor: "DigiTimes"
As somebody waiting for the next iPad update to upgrade from an iPad 2 that feels really dated and heavy, I will be very happy that the rumor were true. A9 and A9X chips can handle 4K without any problem, but I seriously doubt it, 4K will be in the Pro before, is the "canvas iPad" and there resolution is key. I will be very happy with the standard current retina if there's the A9X inside. The Apple product that IMHO must go 5K and 4K soon are the rMacBook Pros, to leave room for the Air to go standard Retina, they are the only product line without any retina version.
What would be the purpose to this? If they're going to make a 4K model, it would make sense to use the Pro as the platform.