iPad Air 3

The invitations have been sent for Apple's March 21st keynote at its Infinite Loop campus in Cupertino, California. Apple is expected to unveil its latest iPhone model dubbed the iPhone SE, a new 9.7-inch iPad model and new Apple Watch bands. Now that we know the official date let's look back at all the next-generation iPad rumors that led up to the event. Remember, none of these rumors have been officially confirmed, and we will not know for sure what Apple plans to launch at the upcoming event until it actually takes place.

Steve Hemmerstoffer of @OnLeaks and NowhereElseFr posted several images to Twitter of an alleged iPad Air 3 case. The case reveals cutouts for a Smart Connector and additional speakers.

The next-generation 9.7-inch iPad will not be called the iPad Air 3, according to 9to5Mac. Recent rumors have already suggested that the latest 9.7-inch iPad model will borrow several features introduced on the larger 12.9-inch iPad Pro, but according to unnamed sources, it will also utilize the Pro name, thus putting an end to the iPad Air lineup.

9to5Mac reports that the next-generation iPad will be introduced into the iPad Pro lineup at an Apple keynote to be held on March 15th. The new 9.7-inch iPad Pro will then go on sale on Friday, March 18th.

Apple's next generation 9.7-inch tablet will be available in Rose Gold when it is released next month, according to 9to5Mac. The Apple blog reports that there are already "Rose Gold variations of the upcoming iPad Air 3 floating around Apple’s campus." Apple is also allegedly considering bringing the Rose Gold color to the next-generation 12-inch MacBook and the iPad mini.

Up until recently it wasn't even clear if Apple would refresh its 9.7-inch iPad lineup, but numerous leaks, analysts predictions and a recent report by 9to5Mac all seem to indicate that the iPhone-maker will announce an iPad Air 3 in March. According to Mark Gurman, Apple is set to announce two new devices plus new Apple Watch bands during a keynote tentatively scheduled for March 15.