Several rumors claim that tech giant Apple is planning to launch a new 4-inch iPhone model called the iPhone 5se on Mar. 15. The device will be launched alongside another highly anticipated Apple product, the iPad Air 3.
Following the launch schedule, the products will reportedly be up for sale online and retail stores starting Mar. 18. Sources close to Apple claim that the Cupertino-based company will not offer pre-orders for the new devices, according to Mac Rumors.
Releasing the iPhone 5se and new iPad Air 3 just days after their launch, and not offering it in pre-orders, is a new marketing strategy for Apple. For several years, Apple usually releases a new iPhone model a couple of weeks following its launch and online pre-order period.
Similar release schedule was followed by Apple for new iPad devices, except for the iPad Pro, which went on sale more than two months following its initial introduction.
Sources claim that manufacturing of the iPhone 5se started in January.
According to 9to5Mac, the new iPhone 5se was designed in order to entice users who want a faster and more up to date device without the need to cash out to the more premium iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus devices.
The iPhone 5se looks almost identical to the iPhone 5s which was released in 2013. However, the new iPhone model will be significantly powerful compared to its direct predecessor.
The iPhone 5se packs the latest A9 and M9 processors, an NFC chip for Apple Pay support, always-on Siri feature and the camera system identical to the one installed in the iPhone 6. The new iPhone is also rumored to support Live Photos.
As for the iPad Air 3, the tablet is rumored to include a Smart Connector and support for new Apple-branded accessories. This means that the upcoming flagship tablet will most likely support Smart Keyboards and the Apple Pencil.
The iPad Air 3 is also rumored to sport a 9.7-inch display screen. Just like the new iPhone, it is powered by the same A9 processor with an upgraded camera system that is rumored to include a rear-flash.