The rumor mill has suggested that Apple could announce the iPhone 5se and new Apple Watch at an event in the middle of March, and now it’s rumored that a new iPad could debut there, too.
Sources speaking to 9to5Mac say that Apple is planning to announce a new 9.7-inch iPad in March. The device is likely the iPad Air 3, the follow-up to the iPad Air 2 that launched in October 2014. Apple is reportedly testing Apple Pencil support for this iPad Air 3, and other rumors have suggested that the new 9.7-inch iPad could also include a rear camera flash and new speaker grilles that match the iPad Pro.
As I mentioned before, the iPad Air 2 launched in October 2014, so it’s been a while since we’ve seen a new 9.7-inch tablet from Apple. And while the iPad Air 2 is still a solid device, an updated iPad Air 3 could help boost iPad sales, which dropped year-over-year in Apple’s recent quarterly report. The iPad Pro has new features like Apple Pencil support and improved audio, but that tablet’s 12.9-inch display might be too large for some folks. If Apple brings those features to a smaller 9.7-inch tablet, that could spur owners of previous iPad models to upgrade.
Also expected to debut at this mid-March event is the 4-inch iPhone 5se and updated Apple Watch bands. It’s said that these new bands will include new colors for the rubber Sport Bands, more colors for the Hermès line of bands, a black Milanese Loop, and a brand new family of bands made of an undisclosed material.
It's said that Apple is currently planning to hold its event during the week of March 14, but that no exact date has been nailed down yet.