The 'iPhone 5se' and 'iPad Air 3' could hit the market on March 18
With the rumored “iPhone 5se” and “iPad Air 3″ apparently set to be unveiled at a special media event on Tuesday, March 15, buyers won’t have to wait very long to purchase either new device. According to a new report from 9to5Mac, both devices could go on sale as early as Friday, March 18.
The report said that with the quick turnaround after the special event, there will not likely be any preorders.
A smaller iPhone
According to other reports, the new 4-inch iPhone will apparently offer support for Apple Pay and Live Photos and sport the same A9 and M9 chips found in the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus. That means users will be able to activate the always-on Siri.
It will ship in the same silver, space gray, gold, and rose gold color options as the iPhone 6s line and be offered in a 16GB and 64GB version.
An improved tablet
The next-generation iPad Air is shaping up to be a mini version of the iPad Pro.
A purported schematic of the new iPad Air shows a Smart Connector, rear-facing flash, and four speakers.
Previous leaks show that the tablet could feature the same Smart Connector first unveiled on the iPad Pro. As a reminder, the special connector on the longer side of the tablet allows users to connect and power add-on keyboards – including Apple’s own smart model.
A four-speaker setup, similar to what also appears on the iPad Pro, is also possible. The larger iPad model automatically recognizes whether its being held in a portrait or landscape orientation and provides the best sound possible. Adding a rumored rear flash would help users capture better images with their tablets.
Apple is also expected to introduce a number of new band options for the Apple Watch.
For other news today, see: Apple’s streaming TV talks remain on hold, says CBS CEO, Skype for iPhone updated for Valentine’s Day with Love Mojis from Paul McCartney, and Fetch! Microsoft’s new app lets you know what dog breed you are.
