Apple Sends Invites for Highly-Anticipated iPhone SE and 9.7″ iPad Pro Release Event
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While it was originally thought that Apple would hold an event on March 15th, more recent reports have just been confirmed – Apple has sent out invites for its March 21st media event. The event will likely see the release of a new, 4-inch iPhone and a 9.7-inch iPad Pro, as well as several new Apple Watch accessories. The invite consists of a somewhat abstract image with the text “Let us loop you in.”
The main focus of the event will more than likely be the official release of Apple’s new 4-inch iPhone. First known as the iPhone 6c, then the iPhone 5se, and now just the iPhone SE, the phone will be Apple’s first return to the 4-inch form factor since the release of the iPhone 5s.
According to most reports, the iPhone SE will look almost identical to the iPhone 5s, aside from a slightly curved display and new Rose Gold color option. The internals, however, will see a major upgrade – the phone will likely feature an A9 processor (the same processor found in Apple’s most recent iPhone 6s and 6s Plus), an upgraded camera, Live Photo support, and support for Apple Pay.
The iPhone SE will appeal to the surprisingly large user base that prefers the small form factor, many of which have been holding out on a new iPhone since the iPhone 5s. There is also hope that the new phone, which will retail for less than Apple’s larger iPhone 6s and 6s Plus handsets, will reach more budget-minded consumers and those in emerging smartphone markets.
The event will also see the release of a new 9.7-inch iPad Pro, which some are referring to as the iPad Pro mini. The new iPad will reportedly feature almost identical specifications to the 12.9-inch iPad Pro released last year, including the lighting-fast A9X chip, four-speaker design, and Smart Connector for connecting accessories. Rumor has it that the new tablet will also feature improved support for the Apple Pencil, as well as a rear LED flash, which would make it Apple’s first tablet to do so.
Finally, we will likely see the addition of several new bands for the Apple Watch. Rumor has it that several new colors of the Apple Watch Sport band will be released, as well as several new Hermes bands, and a Space Black version of the Milanese Loop strap. There is also a rumor going around that a series of high-quality NATO-style straps will also be introduced, as well. Many reports indicate that the event may also see the addition of several new watch faces, and may even see the release of a new software update. Although initial rumors placed the debut of the Apple Watch 2 at the event, it now seems more likely that the second-generation model won’t be seen until later this year.
The somewhat-cryptic phrase “Let us loop you in” on the invite has generated several interesting theories on the internet since the invite was released. While the meaning is yet unclear, it’s very possible that the phrase is referring to either the location – Apple’s Town Hall at 1 Infinite Loop in Cupertino, or the release of the Space Black Milanese Loop band.
However, that hasn’t stopped internet conspiracy theorists from offering up their interpretations – predicting anything from the re-introduction of the iPod Touch loop to the replacement of Tim Cook as CEO. Twitter user Jake Renton posted a full-on analysis of the invite, placing references to several rumors in the design.
The media event will take place at Apple’s Town Hall at 10AM PDT on March 21st. Apple will be streaming the event on their website as well as on the Apple TV.
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