Apple to release iPhone 5se, iPad Air 3 on March 18: Report

Apple plans to release the 4-inch iPhone 5se and iPad Air 3 tablet on Friday, March 18, according to a report from 9to5mac, as it looks to follow up on announcements from competitors at Mobile World Congress two weeks before.

It was previously reported Apple plans to announce the new products at a press event on Tuesday, March 15. Apple will not offer pre-orders for the new devices, according to the report.

The 4-inch iPhone 5se will serve as a budget option from Apple, improving on the iPhone 5s with a 4-inch screen, an A9 chip, improved cameras, NFC to support Apple Pay, and the ability to take live photos. The iPhone 5se will be priced the same as the 5s, replacing the older iPhone, starting at $450 for 16GB.

Hoping to rejuvenate its iPad sales, the 10.1-inch iPad Air 3 will borrow features from the iPad Pro announced in the fall. It's being reported the new tablet will feature enhanced speakers and a Smart Connector.

This upgrade cycle marks a new strategy from Apple, who typically announces its smartphones in September.

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