So size does seem to matter in Apple’s world after all it seems. Following a couple of years increasing their screen sizes, they have now announced a couple of downsized versions of their most popular devices. They are the new iPhone SE and an iPad Pro with a smaller 9.7″ screen.
The iPhone SE is aimed at those users who prefer the smaller 4″ screen of the older iPhones and, on the outside, the iPhone SE shares a passing resemblance to the now discontinued iPhone 5S. Although on the inside this is a much more powerful device.
Featuring the same powerful A9 processor and M9 co-processor that is found in the currently flagship 6S handset, it also has a 12 megapixel camera that supports live photo and 4k video recording. This seems to be a very powerful entry level device. Apple Pay is also included (it wasn’t on the iPhone 5S), which will only add to the desirability for those looking for a small screen upgrade.
Priced at £359 for the 16GB version and £439 for the 64GB version, the iPhone SE will be available for pre-order on the 24th March and available for purchase on the 31st March.
It’s no secret that the iPad Air 2 is due a refresh but there was no iPad Air 3 in sight at the event, instead Apple treated us to a new smaller iPad Pro. This comes with an A9X processor and a 9.7″ screen which is the same size screen as the iPad air range.
That screen is a non-reflective retina screen running at a resolution of 2048 x 1536, and the device also features TrueTone technology. This alters the colour tone of the screen depending on the ambient lighting around you.
The new iPad Pro features an improved camera over the larger Pro model at 12.1 megapixels. 4k video is also included and there will also be an option of an appropriately sized keyboard case.
Pricing for the new iPad Pro starts at £499 for the 32GB version, to £619 for the 128Gb version to £739 for the 256GB (YES 256GB) version.
In addition to the new devices Apple used the event to share some other news.
The latest version of iOS, version 9.3, will be released tonight and includes the tired-eye-friendly “Night Shift” which alters the colours on screen in the evening. You’ll also get enhanced security options, including Touch ID, for the Notes App, an improvment to CareKit and targeted reading suggestions in the News App.
For those looking for a new timepiece Apple also reduced the pricing of the Apple Watch to £259.
Finally Apple announced a significant update to Apple TV which includes the introduction of media folders, improved Dictation functionality and support for Live folders.
In all this was far from a large Apple event and the whole show felt a little flat, but the truth is that mainstream media may be interested in Tim Cook’s FBI comments, rather than any technology announcements.
More shots from the event below..
