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Earlier this week, Apple held an event where it announced updated products and accessories, hoping to tempt Apple fans and lure converts. Unlike last year’s March event, where a brand new product was announced with the Apple Watch, this year’s event was about new versions of existing products.
iPhone SE
Apple is looking to make fans of smaller phones happy with the new iPhone SE, a phone the same size as the iPhone 5 and 5s (4 in/ 10.16 cm), but with the upgraded hardware of its latest iPhone, the 6s. Before the iPhone SE, fans of smaller iPhones only had the option of getting older phones with outdated hardware that would become obsolete sooner than current phones.
If you’ve seen an iPhone 5 or 5s, then you know what the iPhone SE looks like. The SE shares the same design and materials as the 5 and 5s but adds a rose gold color as an option.
With the iPhone SE, those who want smaller phones can have the best of both worlds, a smaller phone with current hardware. The iPhone SE offers both Apple Pay and Touch ID, the feature that unlocks your phone using your fingerprint. Another bonus is that the iPhone SE costs less than the iPhone 6s.
The iPhone SE is available for pre-order today, at $399 for 16 GB of storage or $499 for 64 GB.
iPad Pro
Last fall Apple introduced its largest iPad ever, the iPad Pro. At 12.9 in/ 32.766 cm, the iPad Pro screen is as big as that of some laptop computers.
At this week’s event, Apple introduced a smaller version of the iPad Pro, with a screen measuring 9.7 in/ 24.638 cm, the size of the classic iPad screen.
Although smaller than its bigger sibling, the new iPad Pro is also intended to be a potential laptop replacement. The device has powerful hardware and storage up to 256 GB.
The Apple Pencil stylus and Smart Keyboard that work with the larger iPad Pro also work with this smaller model.
The screen of the iPad Pro has been improved to make it easier to read in bright light, such as sunlight. The cameras are also more powerful, both front and back, so your photos and selfies can be better.
The iPad Pro is available beginning at $579 for the 32 GB model with Wi-Fi only, up to $1009 for the 256 GB model with Wi-Fi and cellular.
iOS 9.3
iOS, the operating system for the iPhone and iPad, received an update this week to version 9.3. New features include the ability to protect Notes using a password or your fingerprint.
Apple also introduced Night Shift, a mode that adjusts the brightness of the screen according to the time of day and location of the device. Night Shift reduces the amount of blue light that the screen displays at night, as blue light has been shown to interfere with sleep.
Apple Watch News
Apple is making getting an Apple Watch a bit easier by cutting the price. The price of the least expensive Watch has been reduced from $349 to $299.
More bands are available from Apple for the Watch in a wider variety of colors. New bands made of woven nylon were also introduced.
Apple TV
The latest model Apple TV, introduced last fall, got an update. Now you can create folders to organize your apps, such as entertainment, games and news. You can also use Siri to search for movies and to enter your password, instead of having to type it on a keyboard.
Other Apple News
Apple announced that it would be continuing to fight the FBI over creating software to unlock the iPhone. See, Apple vs. FBI — What You Need to Know.
Since then, the FBI has requested and received a delay of the court hearing because it says it is receiving help from a third party to unlock the San Bernardino iPhone.
The company also reported on its sustainability efforts to use 100% renewable energy at all of its facilities. Currently, Apple says it uses renewable energy at 93% of its facilities.
Your Thoughts
Are you excited about Apple’s announcements this week? Were you surprised by any of the updated products? Was there anything you wish Apple had announced this week?
Share your thoughts in the Comments section below.
Voice of America
If you’re learning English and interested in tech, check out my weekly personal technology column at Voice of America Learning English. This week’s article is: Apple Announces the Return of a Smaller iPhone.
Hi Carolyn,
Awesome indeed 🙂
Yes, I did read about the phone launch of Apple at our local newspaper as well and I just knew you’d be covering all the details in your post soon enough!
I think iPhone SE would be interesting as it would have the best of both worlds, a small phone and the latest hardware. Yes, surprised with the reduction in price of the Apple watch, I didn’t expect that and I wonder why they cut the price, but good for those who wish to buy it.
Thanks for sharing the latest Apple news with us. Have a nice, rest of the week 🙂
Hi Harleena, Yes, the reduced price of the Apple Watch was a surprise to many. And a pleasant one at that!
Many people do want a smaller phone but also want current hardware. The SE gives those people what they want. Apple hasn’t announced a new phone in the Spring for many years so it’s great they didn’t wait until the fall to launch the SE.
I am anxious to find out if there is really a ‘call’ for the new 4SE. I am happy with the 5 but really would like a bigger screen. I have been ready for an upgrade for almost 2 years now, but the upgrades of yore mean nothing anymore. The 6 would cost me over $600. When will there be some kind of discounted price. I could take a nice airplane ride to somewhere warm for that price. I am committed to AT&T because Verizon does not get a signal in my area. Sounds crazy I know as I live in highly populate suburban area.
Hi Pat, I’m with you, I like bigger screens too, though I know many were delighted by the news of the SE with the smaller screen.
Beginning with iOS 9 in the fall, Apple has added Wi-Fi calling for the iPhone. This means you no longer have to worry about how many bars you have at home, assuming you have Wi-Fi there. T-Mobile, Sprint and AT&T all have activated this feature and Verizon is due to launch it soon. When Verizon launches Wi-Fi calling for the iPhone I will be writing about it here at The Wonder of Tech.
I also agree with you that the end of discounted upgrades is a very sad development. The price of the plans should be reduced accordingly, but I’m not seeing that happening.
Hey Carolyn,
I’m not surprised that Apple continues to improve upon their devices and give their customers what they want.
I still have the same iPhone that I got when you first introduced it to me. I learned through the plan I had that I could get a free upgrade so I did. I still have the 4 model but for what I use it for it’s perfect. Probably won’t upgrade unless they stop upgrading this version and I have issues with it.
I’m sure some though rush out to always get the latest and greatest new ones. Always eager to find out what’s improved I’m sure.
Thanks for the scoop and I’ll be sure to share this one too.
~Adrienne
Hi Adrienne, That’s great the iPhone 4 is still working so well for you. If you don’t want a new phone, then you should stick with what you have. No need to spend money unnecessarily!
When and if you do decide to upgrade, Adrienne, you will have many more choices than you did back when the iPhone 4 was being sold.
Recently i have purchased iPhone 5s @ rs 47000 in india. And i like its all feature. I will wait for iPhone SE
Thanks for sharing SE specifications..!!
Hi Kuch, Yes, if you like the screen size of the 5s, then you’ll also like the SE.
thanks for sharing this information about ios 9
Hi Naveen, You’re very welcome.
Nice post but in Apple iPhone there has so many problem.
Regards
Gaurav
Hu Guarav, Yes, the iPhone has had some issues, but those have mostly been with the iOS operating system. Apple has done a good job of releasing fixes quickly when there has been an issue.
This is good news for apple iphone lover!! I am Eagerly waiting to launch iphone with its new features.
Hi Jasspreet, I’m glad you’re excited about the iPhone SE. It offers a new option for those who want a smaller phone but with updated hardware.
I have been content with my iphone5 for two years now but that that SE might be too hard to resist. And that $400 price point fits my wallet perfectly 🙂
Hi Sam, Yes, if you like the size of your iPhone 5, then you’ll like that the SE is the same size, but with better hardware. When it’s time to replace your 5, you may want to consider the SE.
Thanks for sharing good news, I am waiting for iPhone SE.
Hi Pramod, I’m glad you are happy about this news. Yes, the iPhone SE seems to be on backorder so you may have to wait for it.