Apple Launches iPhone SE, 9.7-inch iPad Pro

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Refresh this page to see the latest live updates from Apple’s event at the bottom or click here.

Today is the day when Apple is expected to unveil the rumored iPhone SE, the iPad Air 3 and Apple Watch 2. The event will be streamed live beginning at 10 a.m. Pacific (1 p.m. Eastern). We’ve included details about how to watch it below, or you can follow our live blog here on this page later today.

Perhaps the most-anticipated device expected to be unveiled at the event today is the rumored 4-inch iPhone SE. The rumor mill has been churning out stories, specs and supposedly leaked images for quite some time, which really comes as no surprise because Apple’s devices are nearly always the worst-kept secrets in the tech community. Occasionally the company has a surprise feature or two, but this is pretty rare.

iPhone SE expected at Apple’s event

The iPhone SE is expected to be an updated 4-inch iPhone that will target emerging markets and consumers in developed markets whowant a premium smartphone but can’t afford the high-end iPhone 6s or 6s Plus and are willing to compromise on screen size. Also some consumers just prefer a smaller phone, so the updated 4-inch iPhone SE might be a good option.

The phone is expected to resemble the iPhone 6s on the outside, and unlike the unsuccessful iPhone 5c, it’s expected to have a more premium metal backing rather than the many plastic casings that were used. The resolution is expected to be similar to that of the iPhone 6s, which would give it more pixels per inch because the screen is smaller.

The camera is expected to be similar to that of the iPhone 6s as well, meaning that it will have eight megapixels and a 1.2-megapixel camera on the front. The iPhone SE may also have near-field communication, which would give it support for Apple Pay, and a 1,652 mAh battery, which would make the life much better than that of the iPhone 5c.

iPad Air 3 expected, Apple Watch 2 an unknown

The supposed details on the iPad that’s expected at the event have been mixed, with some calling it the iPad Air 3 and others suggesting that it will be another iPad with the Pro moniker attached to it. But whatever it’s called, it may have a 4K 9.7-inch display that will support the Apple Pencil (don’t call it a stylus!), and quad-stereo speakers like those in the current iPad Pro. There may also be a new smaller Smart Keyboard model to go along with it.

There’s been debate about whether the Apple Watch 2 will make an appearance at today’s event, although it’s looking increasingly unlikely that it will. Instead, the smartwatch is expected to appear later this year, possibly at WWDC with the unveiling of iOS 10 and, presumably, WatchOS 2. The rumors about the Apple Watch 2 are sparser—another indication that we won’t see it today.

How to watch the iPhone SE event

To watch the live stream, you’ll need a Mac running Safari 6.0.5 or later with OS X v10.8.5 or later or an iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch running Safari on iOS 7.0 or later. A second- or third-generation Apple TV with version 6.2 or later or a fourth-generation Apple TV will also work. Interestingly, Apple has expanded the list of devices that will work to watch the live stream to a Windows 10 PC running the Microsoft Edge browser.

And here’s the link to watch the live stream, but if you can’t watch it, we will be live-blogging the event on this page starting at 1 p.m. Eastern.

Live Blog of Apple’s iPhone SE event (All Times In EST):

1 p.m. – We’ve been listening to Apple’s Beats 1 streaming radio station before the event. We’re now waiting for it to start.

1:02 p.m. – Apple CEO Tim Cook has taken the stage. He reminds us that this year marks Apple’s 40th event, so they’re going to spend time looking back at the company’s history. He’s recalling the iPhone, addressing privacy and government control of our data (FBI vs. Apple fight, anyone?). Reminding people of Apple’s pledge to protect private data. Applause.

1:06 p.m. – Lisa Jackson takes the stage. Environmental concerns, innovation. Apple aims to become 100% renewable. 93% of worldwide facilities run on renewable energy. All data centers powered by sustainable energy.

1:12 p.m. – Apple’s showing a video about “Liam,” a robot that helps recycle the devices they get back through the iPhone upgrade program, etc. Recycle devices in a way that’s safe for data and environment by taking them into a retail store.

1: 14 p.m. – Williams on the stage to talk about Health. Biggest Parkinson’s study in history in less than 24 hours done through ResearchKit. Details on diabetes study. Video about Health.

1:27 p.m. – New bands for the Apple Watch, world’s top-selling smartwatch, new nylon band, colored sport and leather bands, and space black Milanese loop. Watch price cut to $299.

Now on to Apple TV, biggest sales for box late last year, 5,000 apps on the Apple TV app store. Showing off some more apps.

1:31 p.m. – Finally the iPhone, introing a new 4-inch iPhone. It will be called the iPhone SE, as we expected. They sold more than 30 million 4-inch iPhones in 2015. iPhone SE will be silver, grey, gold, or rose gold. Lots up upgraded “guts.” Looks just like the iPhone 5, has 64-bit A9 processor, M9 co-processor, similar to iPhone 6s on the inside.

Finally the iPhone, introing a new 4-inch iPhone. It will be called the iPhone SE, as we expected. They sold more than 30 million 4-inch iPhones in 2015. iPhone SE will be silver, grey, gold, or rose gold. Lots up upgraded “guts.” Looks just like the iPhone 5, has 64-bit A9 processor, M9 co-processor for fitness tracking, similar to iPhone 6s on the inside, better battery, “most advanced camera system,” aluminum backing, 12-megapixel iSight camera, true tone flash, 4K video capability, high-speed LTE, Wi-Fi, TouchID fingerprint sensor. Apple Pay support. NFC radio.

1:37 p.m. –  In short, iPhone SE has features the iPhone 6 doesn’t have. More like the iPhone 6s but smaller. Price starts at $399. Interesting, lowest new iPhone ever, previous least expensive new model started at $450. On monthly payment plan it’s $17 per month. Preorders start March 24, available to buy March 31.

1:43 p.m. – Talking iPad with Phil Schiller. New iPad Pro with 9.7-inch Retina display, lightweight. Smaller iPad Pro because it’s the most popular size. They’re targeting Windows users specifically, people switching from Windows devices to iPad Pro. “ultimate PC replacement,” he says.

Better photo alignment, 40% less reflective than iPad Air 2, 25% brighter than iPad Air 2, more colors and saturation, “True Tone” display measures ambient light’s color temp and adjusts display. So the display adjusts according to the color of the light in the room.

Silver, space grey, rose gold, 32GB starts at $599, up to 256GB for $899, available starting March 31.

Ending live coverage here.

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