At 6.1 mm, the iPad Air 2 is the world's second-thinnest tablet to date. Armed with powerful specs and features, the device is easily loved by the Apple crowd, proving that it's more than just an "impossibly thin" form factor.

Hence, rumors aimed at its alleged successor, the iPad Air 3, have only been up and stronger this time. While Apple is yet to confirm the reality behind such details, prospects are now able to see, at least somehow, the device that's speculated to launch beside iOS 9.

As previously reported, the major operating system update is expected on the second half of 2015. That puts July as the earliest time, though it's still best to wait for Apple's word.

Concept renders of the iPad Air 3 have claimed their spots in the web. Phones Review, for instance, took note of designer Rishi Ramesh's render, which imagined to sport a 10.2-inch screen (bigger than the Air 2's 9.7-inch), 2K resolution, 3D graphics, A9X processor, 3 GB of RAM and 13 MP main camera supported by dual-tone flash.

NFC support is another interesting feature that makes for a good upgrade.

The Venture Capital Post specifically noted that the iPad Air 3 should arrive by October, if Apple follows its "usual timetable." The outlet cited the iPad Air's release, which had been in October 2013, while the later iPad Air 2 made appearance in October 2014.

The latter, of course, launched beside the iPad Mini 3. Both devices came after the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus' launch (September 2014).

The VC Post also recalled Ming-Chi Kuo's remarks, KGI Securities analyst, who recently predicted the possible decline of iPad sales, despite the arrival of the likewise-rumored iPad Pro (aka iPad Air Plus / iPad Plus).

Interestingly, the iPad Air 3 is also thought to arrive in different color variants, AUTOOMOBILE said. According to the outlet, color variety is believed to be the "best way" to give the tablet a fresh look, considering assumptions that the iPad Air 2 is already "flawless."

Details on the iPad Air 3's pricing remain speculated. For an insight, Macworld predicted, "Most likely it will cost pretty much what the iPad Air 2 cost when it launched."

For its 16 GB Wi-Fi version, the iPad Air 2 is currently priced for $499, while the Wi-Fi + Cellular model sells for $629 at the same capacity.

CrossMap, on the other hand, wrote that the new Air tablet is rumored to sell "somewhere around $649."

What do you think about these rumors aimed at the iPad Air 3? Will Apple push for expected upgrades? Share your thoughts in the comments below.