Apple said to unveil new 4-inch iPhone 5se, iPad Air 3 and new Apple Watch bands on March 15

Apple Watch Edition back Wired 002

Apple is currently planning to hold a media event on Tuesday, March 15, to formally unveil a rumored new four-inch iPhone 5se, a third-generation iPad Air and new Apple Watch band options, according to a report this morning by 9to5Mac’s reliable Mark Gurman.

“As the scheduled event is still a month-and-a-half away, the date could conceivably still shift or turn into an online announcement,” cautioned Gurman.

iPhone 5se

If the rumors are accurate, the iPhone 5se should give customers who prefer smaller form factors something to be excited about. The handset will have a four-inch screen like the iPhone 5s, but run Apple’s in-house designed 64-bit A9 chip.

iPhone 5se leak 001

Claimed iPhone 5se, at right, versus the iPhone 5, at left.

Other features in tow for the iPhone 5se: NFC for Apple Pay, enhanced cameras and Live Photos. The device will be priced the same as the iPhone 5s, according to Gurman’s sources, starting at $450 for 16GB (a 64GB model will also be offered).

iPad Air 3

As for the iPad Air 3, claimed design drawings suggest the 9.7-inch tablet refresh boasts four speakers and the Smart Connector like the iPad Pro. It could also support the Apple Pencil and have a LED flash on the back.

iPad Air 3 case NowhereElse leak 001
First iPad Air 3 case out of China.

New Apple Watch band options

While a second-generation Apple Watch is not expected to make an appearance at the March event, Apple will introduce several new band options and an updated software for the device, sources claim.

Apple-Watch-Hermes-

“The new band lines will include multiple new colors for the rubberized Sport Bands, new Hermes bands, a Space Black version of the Milanese Loop, and an entirely new band line made of a new material,” reads the report.

Source: 9to5Mac