New iPhone and iPad launch date revealed

Apple is preparing the surprise launch of its next iPad and iPhone models in just a matter of weeks, according to reports.

The new iPhone and iPad devices will be revealed on 15 March, with sales set to begin the following week, sources speaking to 9to5Mac claimed, alongside new accessories for the Apple Watch.

The new devices will include a 4in budget iPhone, dubbed the “iPhone 5se”, and a new iPad Air 3, as Apple looks to appeal to users who are unwilling to spend big to upgrade to the latest high-spec devices, but still want to own the latest Apple products.

ChannelBiz sister title TechWeekEurope contacted Apple for comment, but has had no response so far.

The reports claim that the iPad Air will feature improved hardware, including an upgrade to Apple’s recent A9 processor, as well as an upgraded camera system, and potentially a rear flash for brighter photos.

It will also include a Smart Connector and support for Apple-branded accessories such as the latest Smart Keyboards and Apple Pencil, which were revealed at the launch of the iPad Pro last year.

The rumoured launches come as Apple looks to bounce back from its first set of disappointing results and sales figures since it started selling mobile devices back in 2007.

Declining demand and market saturation in countries such as China could lead Apple to announce its first ever fall in iPhone sales next quarter, the company warned last month – although it still comfortably outsells nearly all of its rivals.

A March release for Apple would also see it capitalise on the heightened interest in the mobile device market following Mobile World Congress next week. Many of the company’s rivals are set to reveal their latest devices at the show, including Apple’s favourite sparring partner Samsung, which will unveil its latest smartphone, the Galaxy S7, on 21 February.