These days, tablets seem to be an essential accessory particularly for those who cannot be bothered with lugging around a heavy laptop or those who feel as if a phablet just won't do. For years, Apple has proved to be one of the frontrunners with its tablet sales.

The latest releases of the iPad were the iPad Mini 4 and the iPad Pro. However, as noted by Franchise Herald, the infamous iPad Air 3 was noticeably absent from the roster leading Apple fans to speculate on whether or not the Apple iPad Air 3 was dropped in favor of the iPad Pro. If rumors are to be believed, the iPad Air 3 might become a reality. There are also rumors circulating online of a more powerful iPad Pro 2016 which is set to be released before the end of the year or at the start of 2016. How does these two measure up against each other?

In a report with Christian Today, both the iPad Pro 2016 and iPad Air 3 are set to be Apple's most powerful tablets to date. The iPad Pro is what the technology savvy will call a "production wizard". By its build alone, the iPad Pro 2016 can increase productivity especially for those engaged in business endeavors. In terms of sound, the additional speakers give the iPad Pro 2016 an edge over the iPad Air 3 which will most likely follow in the footsteps of its predecessor, the iPad Air 2. 

The website iPad Air 3 Update suggested that the rumored follow-up to iPad Air 2 will have an A9X chipset and a 2K resolution with 3D display and will have a 13MP rear camera. There are rumors that the tablet might be released sometime in November 2015.

The iPad Pro 2016, on the other hand, might be released in limited quantity as Apple has reportedly gone conservative in iPad Pro sales. Apple hopes to provide stiff competition for the Microsoft Surface Pro 4, which is said to be a "laptop killer" in terms of specs and performance. The iPad Pro 2016 will come with a hefty price tag of $ 799 as suggested by the rumors.

On one hand, the iPad Air 3 is more lightweight than the iPad Pro 2016, as the name suggest. As suggested by the rumors, the iPad Air 3 will be thinner and lighter than its predecessor, the iPad Air 2. Both are top of the line, premium tablets and will offer top-tier performance. However, it is a matter of "different strokes for different folks" when it comes to choosing which tablet to buy.