Last March 2015, Apple introduced its first-ever smartwatch at a huge press event. Although everyone initially hoped to see the Apple Watch 2 in March 2016, it now seems more likely that they will see a few small updates to the current Watch and other products will steal the show.
Many reports hint Apple may be planning to announce a Apple Watch refresh at an event in March, alongside the 4-inch iPhone 5se and the iPad Air 3. Although no firm date has been set and Apple has yet to confirm any of the rumors, the launch event is expected to take place on either 15 or 18 March.
Here are other rumors on what will probably take place in the upcoming March event and what Apple may announce on stage:
Apple Watch
It will probably be not the fully fledged update Apple users were hoping for, but reliable sources over at 9to5Mac claim that the Apple Watch will get new bands and updated software features this March. One analyst even predicts that the March Apple Watch launch will be like an S year for the wearable, and the device may get an updated processor and battery. Watch OS will likely get a big update this spring, which may even include more iPhone free activities.
The Apple Watch 2, on the other hand, is now expected to have a September launch. Blogs and tech sites already heard plenty of rumors about the Watch 2, from the health-sensor suite to new materials for the bands and watch faces. What is not clear is whether the company will make it an annualized franchise, similar to the iPhone and iPad. At this point in time, it seems more probable that Apple will take its time updating the Watch with big new features.
Return of the 4-inch iPhone
The other product supposedly in the cards for the March event is the return of the 4-inch iPhone. Rumors speculate that the iPhone 5se may use the A9 processor and feature a fingerprint sensor, but Force Touch will remain a iPhone 6s and 6s Plus exclusive feature. The 4-inch iPhone is also expected to sport an 8-megapixel rear camera and offer Live Photos.
Polls suggest that 20 percent of iPhone customers would purchase a 4-inch device, giving the company an incentive to bring back the smaller display. This time, the iPhone 6c may not come in "unapologetic plastic" body — the phrase Jony Ive coined in the iPhone 5c announcement video — but instead a metal body similar to the iPhone 5s.
iPad Air 3
Apple didn't update the iPad Air lineup when it debuted the iPad Pro, so it' been a while since it was refreshed. Now, sources say the iPad Air 3 will arrive at the March event with a few improvements. The Air 3 will likely sport four speakers just like the iPad Pro, and Apple is reportedly testing versions of the Smart Keyboard accessory and the Apple Pencil for the Air 3.
Spec rumors hint at a 4K screen resolution, 4GB of RAM, and a bigger battery for the device. Apple's iOS 9.3 update will probably arrive with the Air 3 in March, and the beta version of the software shows that education will be a big theme for the device.
12-inch MacBook
The 12-inch MacBook announced at the last March event might see a refresh as well, although it is not mentioned specifically. Apple has a more flexible launch window for MacBooks, meaning the public might not see an update to the MacBook until later in the year.
Apple might be moving from two events in the second half of the year to one in March and one in September/October. This way, it can push a range of updates, while preserving software announcements for the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June. That might mean a more balanced year for Apple’s suppliers, instead of ramping up production in the second half of the year.
Many reports hint Apple may be planning to announce a Apple Watch refresh at an event in March, alongside the 4-inch iPhone 5se and the iPad Air 3. Although no firm date has been set and Apple has yet to confirm any of the rumors, the launch event is expected to take place on either 15 or 18 March.
Here are other rumors on what will probably take place in the upcoming March event and what Apple may announce on stage:
Apple Watch
It will probably be not the fully fledged update Apple users were hoping for, but reliable sources over at 9to5Mac claim that the Apple Watch will get new bands and updated software features this March. One analyst even predicts that the March Apple Watch launch will be like an S year for the wearable, and the device may get an updated processor and battery. Watch OS will likely get a big update this spring, which may even include more iPhone free activities.
The Apple Watch 2, on the other hand, is now expected to have a September launch. Blogs and tech sites already heard plenty of rumors about the Watch 2, from the health-sensor suite to new materials for the bands and watch faces. What is not clear is whether the company will make it an annualized franchise, similar to the iPhone and iPad. At this point in time, it seems more probable that Apple will take its time updating the Watch with big new features.
Return of the 4-inch iPhone
The other product supposedly in the cards for the March event is the return of the 4-inch iPhone. Rumors speculate that the iPhone 5se may use the A9 processor and feature a fingerprint sensor, but Force Touch will remain a iPhone 6s and 6s Plus exclusive feature. The 4-inch iPhone is also expected to sport an 8-megapixel rear camera and offer Live Photos.
Polls suggest that 20 percent of iPhone customers would purchase a 4-inch device, giving the company an incentive to bring back the smaller display. This time, the iPhone 6c may not come in "unapologetic plastic" body — the phrase Jony Ive coined in the iPhone 5c announcement video — but instead a metal body similar to the iPhone 5s.
iPad Air 3
Apple didn't update the iPad Air lineup when it debuted the iPad Pro, so it' been a while since it was refreshed. Now, sources say the iPad Air 3 will arrive at the March event with a few improvements. The Air 3 will likely sport four speakers just like the iPad Pro, and Apple is reportedly testing versions of the Smart Keyboard accessory and the Apple Pencil for the Air 3.
Spec rumors hint at a 4K screen resolution, 4GB of RAM, and a bigger battery for the device. Apple's iOS 9.3 update will probably arrive with the Air 3 in March, and the beta version of the software shows that education will be a big theme for the device.
12-inch MacBook
The 12-inch MacBook announced at the last March event might see a refresh as well, although it is not mentioned specifically. Apple has a more flexible launch window for MacBooks, meaning the public might not see an update to the MacBook until later in the year.
Apple might be moving from two events in the second half of the year to one in March and one in September/October. This way, it can push a range of updates, while preserving software announcements for the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June. That might mean a more balanced year for Apple’s suppliers, instead of ramping up production in the second half of the year.
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