We are already past the much anticipated Apple’s spring event where the proceedings have gone much along expected lines. So there indeed has been a smaller 4-inch iPhone SE and a 9.7-inch iPad Pro launched along with new colorful bands for the Apple Watch.
4-inch iPhone SE Release Date, Preorders, Specs, and Features
To begin with the new iPhone on the block, it marks a U-turn for the company whose iPhones had just started to grow out from the puny 3.5-inch sized iPhones that Steve Jobs was so fond of. However, while the new 4-inch iPhone SE has shrunk in size, it still can still punch way above its weight thanks to its internals.
“iPhone SE is an exciting new idea — we started with a beloved, iconic design and reinvented it from the inside out. The result is the most beautiful and powerful phone with a four-inch display in the world,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing.
At its core is Apple’s 64-bit A9 processor as well as an M9 motion coprocessor which makes the device to be at par with the latest iPhone 6s while still sporting external features similar to that of the iPhone 5s, the last iPhone with a 4-inch display launched in 2014.
Other key features of the SE include its compatibility with Hey Siri and Apple Pay, which makes for the latest iPhone to be the perfect companion device. Apple said the SE offer 15o Mbps LTE speeds, and it’s 50 percent faster than on the iPhone 5s.
Then there are lots to appeal to shutterbugs as well, there being the rear-facing 12 MP iSight camera capable of panorama shots, time-lapse, slow-motion, Live Photos, and 4K video capture. The front-facing selfie cam also comes with a true-tone flash as well.
Prices start at $399 sans any contract obligations for 16GB model while the 64GB model costs $499. The iPhone SE can also be had for a monthly payment of $17. Pre-orders start on March 24 with deliveries commencing on March 31. The new SE will be available in space gray, silver, gold and rose gold metallic finishes, and the company is aiming to make the smaller iPhone available in 110 countries by May-end.
Apple justified the launch of the smaller SE claiming it caters to a distinct segment of iPhone loyalists who look forward to a smaller and more handy device while still having the performance to boot. Apple claimed it has sold 30 million smaller iPhones in 2015, a figure that it intends to build on with the new SE.
9.7-inch iPad Pro Release Date, Preorders, Specs, and Features
Coming to the iPad Pro, it indeed is the 9.7-inch iPad that has now been inducted into the ‘Pro’ family. Of course, there are matching enhancements built into it to make the tab live up to its ‘Pro’ badging. This includes integration of the A9X chip, M9 motion coprocessor along with the quad audio speaker arrangement as seen on the bigger 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
“iPad Pro is a new generation of iPad that is indispensable and immersive, enabling people to be more productive and more creative,” Philip added while talking about the new iPad Pro. “It is the ultimate upgrade for existing iPad users and replacement for PC users.”
The specs sheet blazing fast A9X chip, M9 motion coprocessor along with the quad audio speaker arrangement as seen on the bigger 12.9-inch iPad Pro. Another standout feature of the new smaller iPad Pro is its Oxide TFT display. And according to Apple, it allows for high a contrast display that is also 47 percent less reflective compared to the iPad Air 2.
Apple also stated the display technology includes an advanced ambient light sensor that allows for finer adjustments to screen colors for the best possible natural hues. Then there also is the 12-megapixel rear cam with true tone flash, capable of shooting 4k video along with a 5MP front shooter.
Other salient features of the new iPad Pro include a smart keyboard, Lightning SD card reader, and USB camera adapter along with support for the Apple Pencil.
Prices start at $599 for 32 GB and Wi-Fi only model with pre-orders and shipping to commence on the same March 24 and March 31 respectively.
New Apple Watch Bands
This has gone along expected lines here too with Apple announcing the launch of new bands of different material and color options. However, the biggest surprise here is a $50 price cut, and now the Apple Watch starts at $299.
Software updates: iOS 9.3, watchOS 2.2 and tvOS 9.2
Apple also took the opportunity to announce some minor updates to its iOS, watchOS, and tvOS. For instance, the tvOS 9.2 now supports folders and Siri voice dictation.
Updates to the iOS 9.3 include the introduction of a Night Shift mode that adjusts the display to allow for better late night reading while adding password protection to Notes.
Apple also introduced a new health-related app suggestion called CareKit.
