9to5Mac’s Mark Gurman writes Apple is targeting Tuesday, March 15th as the day for an event that will unveil a new iPad Air 3, a 4-inch “iPhone 5se,” and new bands for the Apple Watch.
We previously reported that Apple was on track to launch the new products during the week of March 14th. As the scheduled event is still a month-and-a-half away, the date could conceivably still shift or turn into an online announcement. The media event would be Apple’s first since September, and much like the fall event, is planned to touch on three major product categories for the company.
A number of rumors are currently in circulation that Apple plans to launch a new 4-inch model of the iPhone to replace the iPhone 5s in the lineup. The “iPhone 5se” would boast an A9 chips, an improved camera, and support for Live Photos and Apple Pay. The device is rumored to resemble a “less shiny” iPhone 5s, possibly with curved edges, and will be priced the same as the current 5s, starting at $450 for the 16GB model.
A new iPad Air is expected to make an appearance. The iPad Air 3 is expected to borrow a few features from the iPad Pro, including enhanced stereo speakers, and a Smart Connector. (YES! – Ed.) A number of unconfirmed reports and schematics from case makers indicate the device might also sport a rear-LED flash, a first for any iPad.
While some have expected the Cupertino firm to announce a new “Apple Watch 2” this spring, now it is expected any introduction of a new wearable will be pushed to the fall, alongside the new “iPhone 7.” The March event will however, likely see the unveiling of new bands, and an update to watchOS 2. Gurman says the new bands will include new colors for the Sport bands, new Hermes bands, a Space Black Milanese Loop band, and an “entirely new band line made of a new material.”
Once Apple officially announces a firm date for a march media event, we’ll be sure to let you know. And as always, we’ll provide coverage of all the happenings at the event.
