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Apple reportedly planning event for March 15 to introduce iPad Air 3, iPhone 5se

Apple is said to host its first event since September 2015, where it will announce major updates to three of its product lines.
Written by Jake Smith, Contributor

Apple has plans to announce the 4-inch iPhone 5se, the iPad Air 3, and new Apple Watch band options at a media event on Tuesday, March 15, according to Mark Gurman of 9to5mac. It will mark Apple's first media event since September, and it looks to be a doozie, with three major product categories to be touched on by Tim Cook and Co, following a mixed Christmas quarter.

The iPhone 5se is perhaps the most interesting in the announcement lineup, as it deviates from Apple's fall iPhone refresh schedule. Gurman, who has a stellar track record when it comes to reporting on Apple, says the iPhone 5se will include a 4-inch screen, an A9 chip, improved cameras, NFC to support Apple Pay, and the ability to take live photos.

Marketed toward the budget consumer, the iPhone 5se will be priced the same as the 5s, replacing the older iPhone, starting at $450 for 16GB. A 64GB model could be offered to those looking to stay on a budget, but wanting to add storage space. The iPhone 5se won't look too different from the iPhone 5s, but will pack plenty of power inside.

There's no word on where Apple plans to host the event.

The iPad Air 3 set to be revealed will be Apple's first 10.1-inch iPad revamp since October 2014. The new tablet will feature enhanced speakers and a Smart Connector, similar to the iPad Pro introduced in 2015. This could mean that a smaller Smart Keyboard is on the way.

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On Tuesday, Engadget leaked schematics of the iPad Air 3, showing it could essentially be a smaller iPad Pro. If the leak is to be believed, the iPad Air 3 will be be 0.05 mm thicker and 0.1 mm wider than its predecessor.

The Apple Watch will see minor announcements, including Sport Bands with multiple new colors, new Hermes bands, a Space Black version of the Milanese Loop, and an entirely new band line made of a new material. The new material could be made of NATO-style nylon bands.

The event hasn't been officially confirmed by Apple, and of course in the world of rumors, announcements can change. Given Gurman's track record, we wouldn't expect Apple to have too many surprises at its events.

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