Apple in 2016:
Apple Special Event March 2016
Here’s everything you should expect from Apple’s first 2016 event.
For over a month, Apple has been in the middle of a large scale PR battle against the FBI. After the FBI ordered Apple create a custom version of iOS to bypass the lockout rules on iPhone, Apple and the FBI have been very publicly debating their sides, each claiming the other is overstepping their rights.
On March 22nd, Apple and the FBI will head to court to battle these issues for the first time since the order was brought.
One week from today, on Monday, March 21st, Apple will take the stage at its Cupertino campus for their first event of 2016. While Apple plans to begin making major changes to its product lineup throughout the year, Apple’s first event will set the groundwork for changes coming to both the iPhone and iPad lineup, as well as updates to Apple Watch and new OS features.
Here’s everything you should expect:
iOS 9.3
Arguably the largest .0 update in iOS history, Apple plans on unveiling a brand new update to its iPhone and iPad operating system.
One of the largest new features, called Night Shift, will allow users to set their devices to have a warmer color scheme during night hours, making the devices screen easier on the users eyes at night. The feature is extremely similar f.lux, a well known Mac extension that has been available since 2009.
Apple is also planning on updates to its built in Notes app, allowing users to set up Touch ID encryption for the app, as well as a new ‘For You’ section in the News app, which will give users a tailored selection of News daily.
Additionally, iOS 9.3 will include updates to the built in Health app and CarPlay.
While not confirmed, Apple may also be planning on unexpectedly announcing multi-user support for iPad. While this is confirmed to be included in the update on an Education level, Apple may also open the feature to all on newer devices.
OS X 10.11.4, tvOS 9.2, and watchOS 2.2
Apple is planning updates for all of its other operating systems at this event as well, though not all as major as iOS 9.3.
tvOS 9.2, an update for Apple’s recently launched Apple TV 4, will include a suite of fixes for the device. In addition to fixes, the update includes Voice Dictation in type fields, Siri improvements, Bluetooth keyboard support, and folders.
watchOS 2.2 for Apple Watch includes a number of bug fixes, as well as major updates to the included Maps application.
OS X 10.11.4 for Macs is a mostly performance focused update, with the only known new feature being updates to the included Notes application.
While not confirmed for this event, Apple is working on a major update to its desktop version of iTunes.
Apple School
iOS 9.3 includes a number of new features focused towards the education market, including multi-user support and new tools for schools to organize and monitor devices. Apple has been working on a new centralized service for educators called Apple School, with plans to demo and release the service at this event.
Apple Watch Updates
While Apple originally intended on introducing the 2nd-Generation Apple Watch at this event, they have opted to wait until the end of the year in order to make sure the next generation device is more successful with consumers.
Instead, the company plans on introducing the previously discussed watchOS update, and brand new bands for the device.
As first reported by 9to5mac, new bands include a Black Milanese Loop, new NATO-style Nylon bands, new Sport bands, and new bands with partners including Hermes.
The company is also working on an all-new operating system for the device, watchOS 3, set to be announced in June.
9.7-inch iPad Pro
UPDATE: Mark Gurman at 9to5mac is reporting the new iPad Pro will start at $599 for 32GB.
While originally thought to have been an updated iPad Air, Apple is set to intoduce an all new 9.7-inch tablet under the name iPad Pro.
The 9.7-inch Pro will feature the same A9X processor as its larger brother, in addition to support for Apple Pencil and a new Smart Keyboard accessory. Sources say the device is almost literally an iPad Pro in the body of an iPad Air.
Despite being mostly similar to the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, the 9.7-inch model will include new display technologies, new color options, an updated camera on-par with iPhone 6S, and a more affordable price. While most of the specs of the device have been confirmed, it is currently unknown whether the device will feature the same 4GB of RAM as the 12.9-inch model, or 3GB.
Both the iPad mini 2 and iPad Air will be discontinued alongside this device. As a result, the iPad Air 2 will be lowered to start at $400, with the iPad mini 3 seeing a price drop as well.
The new iPad Pro 9.7 is expected to ship in the same 32GB and 128GB capacities as the 12.9 inch model. While the exact starting price is not known, Apple likely can’t and won’t give up the important $500 price point for tablets. Expect the device to start no higher than $550.
As a result, it is possible the 12.9-inch iPad Pro could see a price drop. While this is not confirmed, Apple is supposedly considering pushing the price of the device down to $700.
With both Pro models of the device having these 32 and 128 GB capacities, it is not out of the question that Apple will begin shipping both the iPad mini 3 and iPad Air 2 in these capacities as well.
Assuming nothing changes, here’s what Apple’s iPad lineup will look like after Monday:
Both the new iPad Pro and whatever other changes Apple ends up making will launch within a week of the event.
iPhone SE
While Apple has spent the last few years making its devices bigger, the company plans on unveiling a brand new iPhone specifically for people who prefer smaller and cheaper devices.
The iPhone SE, which will launch within a week of this event, is said to feature an extremely similar design to the iPhone 5S, which will subsequently be discontinued following this launch.
Despite having the same design as the 5S, the device will feature specs on-par with the iPhone 6S, Apple’s flagship device. These specs include A9 and M9 chips, NFC for Apple Pay, an updated camera, Gold and Rose Gold color options, live photos (sans 3D Touch), and ‘Hey Siri’ support.
Apple, as of now, seems to be unsure about a price point. While some reported earlier that Apple may bring the devices price down to $400, it seems Apple is currently planning at starting the device at the same $450 price as the iPhone 5S. The device will ship in both 16GB and 64GB capacities.
While Apple is preparing updates to its Mac lineup, it is unlikely we will see them at this event.
In addition to all of the new announcements, it is likely Apple will spend a moment discussing their case against the FBI, and use the stage to share their side of the story publicly.
Be sure to check back here at Mulling Apple and follow for more coverage leading up to and following the event.
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