There’s been a lot of focus on Apple’s rumored 4-inch iPhone 5se lately, and according to a new report, we may not have to wait long to get our hands on the device after its announcement.
Both the iPhone 5se and the iPad Air 3 will launch online and in stores on Friday, March 18, following a debut on March 15. That’s according to 9to5Mac, whose sources say that Apple does not currently plan on offering a pre-order for either new device.
The iPhone 5se is rumored to be Apple’s new 4-inch iPhone model that will look like 2013’s iPhone 5s, but offer upgraded internals. Those specs are said to include the A9 processor found in the iPhone 6s, NFC support for Apple Pay, and the 8-megapixel rear and 1.2-megapixel front cameras found on the iPhone 6. The 5se is expected to be offered in Gold, Rose Gold, Silver, and Space Gray color options, just like the iPhone 6s.
While many folks were happy to see Apple offer larger iPhones when they launched the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus in 2014, some were disappointed that Apple didn’t offer a new 4-inch iPhone as well. There was no new 4-inch iPhone in 2015, either, and phones with that screen size are becoming increasingly rare. With the iPhone 5se, Apple can get those folks that are holding out for a new, small iPhone to finally upgrade.
Meanwhile, the iPad Air 3 is rumored to include camera and processor upgrades; a Smart Connector, which could lead to support for a keyboard cover similar to the one Apple offers for the iPad Pro; and possibly Apple Pencil support, too. Also expected to be introduced by Apple next month are new Apple Watch bands, including new Sport Band colors and nylon bands similar to the NATO-style strap.