The latest trending reports on the much-awaited iPad Air 3 hint at the possibility that the device might get a release date by the end of this year. In the mean time, the iPad Air 2's price was cut down to $250.

Mac World reported that apart from these release date rumors, the comparison between iPad Air 3 and iPad Pro is also trending all over the Internet. Earlier, there were rumors that Apple will stop the production of iPad Air devices and focus on improving the iPad Mini and iPad Pro tablets. However, the recent reports have teased the possibility that the company would release iPad Air 3 with many improved functionalities from the iPad Pro devices.

It is rumored that the iPad Air 3 would be more powerful than its predecessors as it will feature Apple's A9 processor. The device is also expected to sport a thinner and lighter design as compared to its earlier models with a smaller battery. The Bit Bag reported that the upcoming iPad Air will have the same screen size of iPad Pro i.e. 9.7-inch.

Furthermore, there are reports that the new iPad Air 3 would sport Apple's new operating system, iOS 10. Mac World reported that the new OS would bring new additional features to the device like more powerful screen lock with multiple personalization widgets. The iPad Air 3 device will also feature third-party Siri support, which will help the users to command their favorite apps with the help of their voice.

In addition, the upcoming Apple device will include Touch ID and fingerprint scanning technology for extra security measures. There are reports that iPad Air 3 would also feature the same 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, and 128 GB storage options similar to its predecessors.

Meanwhile, the new iPad Air 3 is expected to be released this year alongside Apple's two new devices, namely the iPhone 7 and the MacBook Pro 2016. Trusted Reviews reported that the Cupertino-based company is expected to strategize the multiple products release in order to give a tough competition to Microsoft's Surface Pro 5 tablet, which is rumored to be out by the end of the year.

The iPad Air 3 is expected to be priced at around $530 for the basic 16 GB model and $599 for 32 GB version.