Apple is expected to hold its first public event of the year during the week of March 21, unveiling its next-generation 9.7-inch iPad Pro.

At the event, Apple is expected to launch a 4-inch smartphone dubbed iPhone SE, or special edition. The supposed smartphone was until recently being referred to as iPhone 5se, which didn't make much sense to begin with.

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The new 9.7-inch iPad Pro will have nearly identical features and specifications as the bigger model, bringing along the A9X processor and 4GB RAM upgrades from the 12.9-inch model, 9to5Mac reported. It could feature a 2048 x 1536 screen resolution used by the 9.7-inch iPad Air 2. 

Smaller iPad Pro will include the screen technology that supports the Apple Pencil, quad speakers, and a Smart Connector. Apple is also readying an optimized Smart Keyboard cover. The new iPad Pro model is also expected to include an updated display that features brightness and anti-glare improvements over the iPad Air 2.

Given that the smaller display yields a more portable form-factor, it would make sense for Apple to promote improved photography on its 9.7-inch tablet. It is expected to feature the same 12-megapixel camera sensor that is found on the iPhone 6s/6s Plus.

Like all recent iPad models, the new version will include a FaceTime HD camera on the front above the display. Like the 6s, the 9.7-inch iPad Pro would also record 4K video. The 9.7-inch iPad Pro is also expected to come in the same colors and storage capacities as the larger iPad Pro, but the pricing will be closer in line with the iPad Air models it will succeed.

This new iPad Pro launch will also open up the door to Apple further simplifying its iPad lineup. Recent reports say that Apple is slowing down production of older iPad mini and original iPad Air models, meaning that the iPad mini 2 and first-generation iPad Air are likely to be discontinued upon the launch of the smaller iPad Pro. Apple will also introduce a new 4-inch iPhone 5se with an A9 chip, Live Photos and slightly curved edges plus multiple new Apple Watch band options at the March event, according to NDTV Gadgets.