Apple’s 4-inch iPhone SE And 9.7-inch iPad Pro Cleared For March 21st Unveil
It looks as though Apple has finally selected in a date for the unveil of its new 4-inch iPhone and next generation 9.7-inch iPad. Multiple sources have confirmed via their internal sources at Apple that the keynote will take place on March 21st (and not March 15th as previously reported). Interestingly enough, that is one day prior to when Apple will face off with the U.S. Government over its reluctance to further assist in unlocking an iPhone 5c tied to the San Bernardino mass shooting.
The most anticipated product on tap for the March unveiling is no doubt the iPhone SE (which has been previously referred to as the the iPhone 5se). The phone will be roughly the same size as the iPhone 5s, which was introduced in 2013, but will include upgraded internals to give those that prefer a smaller device most of the same luxuries enjoyed by iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus users. That means you’ll find an A9 processor and Touch ID/NFC support for Apple Pay. Other features like cameras and display are expected to change very little from the two-year-old iPhone 5s.
The other major product announcement comes in the form of a new iPad. Formerly referred to as the iPad Air 3, we now know that the new tablet will actually be a member of the iPad Pro family. While the original iPad Pro debuted with a large 12.9-inch display, the smaller model will feature a similar design and a 9.7-inch display. You’ll also find the larger model’s A9X processor, Smart Connector, quad speakers, and support for the Apple Pencil.
The introduction of the 9.7-inch iPad Pro to complement the 12.9-inch model could help to streamline the iPad lineup. Perhaps Apple will go forward from here on out with the iPad mini as the entry-level tablet offering, while giving customers that won’t more performance and features to step into the iPad Pro family.
The folks in Cupertino will also officially introduce final versions iOS 9.3, watchOS 2.2 and tvOS 9.2 during the keynote. iOS 9.3 in particular brings a number of useful feature additions to iPhones and iPads. In addition, Apple will reportedly announce some new Apple Watch bands at the keynote, but new bands are a bit of a snoozer in comparison to the new hardware that will in attendance.
