Apple’s upcoming 4-inch smartphone iPhone 5se has been rumored for months. Now Mark Gurman of 9to5Mac has learned from inside sources that the device, along with the iPad Air 3 and new Apple Watch band options, will be unveiled at an event on Tuesday, March 15. The Cupertino company had been looking to show off its new products in mid-March.
iPhone 5se an improved version of iPhone 5S
Gurman points out that the event is more than a month away, so the date could still shift. The 4-inch iPhone 5se (“se” being the abbreviation of Special Edition) will include A9 processor, 8MP iSight main camera, 5-megapixel front camera, support for Live Photos and always-on Siri feature. Though it will have better internals, its design will be similar to that of the iPhone 5S, except for slightly curved edges and more rounded volume buttons.
9to5Mac says the iPhone 5se will be priced at $450 for 16GB version. Apple will also offer a 64GB built-in storage option. The new phone will have a new NFC chip for Apple Pay and barometer for tracking elevation in the Health app. However, it won’t feature the pressure-sensitive 3D Touch display that first appeared in the iPhone 6S.
iPad Air 3 to have many of iPad Pro features
The iPad Air 3 is expected to include key iPad Pro features like a Smart Connector, a four-speaker setup and enhanced speakers. It is also rumored to boast of a 4K display, but no 3D Touch capability. Unconfirmed renders from accessories makers suggest that the iPad Air 3 may feature a rear-LED flash to enhance the picture quality in low-light conditions, a first for any iPad model.
The Apple Watch update will focus on software, new bands and possibly a FaceTime camera. Recently, the Black-colored Milanese loop band was spotted on Apple’s Czech Republic website, fueling speculations that the bands would go on sale soon. There will be multiple new colors for Sport bands, and new Hermes bands.
