Apple confirms March 21 event, iPhone 5se, new iPad expected

Apple confirms March 21 event, iPhone 5se, new iPad expected
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Apple has sent out invites to the media, for an event in its campus on March 21. It is expected to be headlined by the iPhone 5se, new iPad and more.

Apple has finally sent out invitations for its March 21 event. The invite does not give out much and has the words "Lets us loop you in" splashed across it. The 'Loop' here could refer to a new strap for the Apple Watch. For a while now, it has been expected that Apple will launch a smaller 4-inch iPhone and the new iteration of the iPad at the March event. The event is scheduled to take place at Apple's Cupertino headquarters and is scheduled to beging at 10 AM PT (11:30 PM India Time) on March 21.

Previous reports had suggested that the company would be holding an event on March 15, but a recent report by South Korean website, UnderKG, projected the event to take place on March 22. Turns out their report was off by just one day. As far as Apple's announcements are concerned, most rumours doing the rounds expect the company to launch a 4-inch iPhone 5SE and the iPad Air 3. However, a contrasting report by 9to5 Mac also suggests that Apple will not be launching the iPad Air 3, but instead, a 9.7-inch version of the iPad Pro that would be compatible with the Apple Pen. The report also indicated that the device would come with a smaller detachable keyboard that would connect to a Smart Connector. The 'Loop' in Apple's invite could also refer to a looped design for the smart connector. It is also possible that iPad Air line would be discontinued.

Last month, another leak by Engadget showed what seemed like dimensional drawings of the Apple iPad Air 3. As per the leak, the upcoming tablet may come with a quad speaker setup, similar to the one found on the Apple iPad Pro. A smart connector is also projected for the iPad Air 3. 

Interestingly, Apple's announcement will come a day before it is supposed to appear in court to defend against the FBI's request to unlock an iPhone 5c involved in the San Bernardino case. The date for this hearing has been set for a while now, which makes Apple's choice seem all the more deliberate, perhaps to gain marketing momentum for the device.

The iPhone 5se marks yet another attempt by Apple to widen its iPhone's reach in the market. The company is expected to suffer lesser than expected sales of the iPhone 6S this quarter, and has been called a 'one-product company' in the past.

Of course, while the iPhone 5se isn't really a new product, it still gives Apple a shot at earning new customers. It would also help if the company chose a lower than usual price point as well.

Digit NewsDesk

Digit NewsDesk

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