Apple Event 2017: Surprises in Store

The latest news, rumors, reports on the Apple’s Spring event this year.

There have been rumors that Apple will have a Spring Event this March. If recent years are any indication, we should expect an announcement soon. And as always lots of speculation of what to expect has exploded on the internet! From the new line of iPads to the new version of the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus we’ve all got them covered here!

Let’s do a recap of what we have come up with so far:

When and where will it be held?

Rumors surfaced that it will take place in early March. Venue for the event may take place in the Bay Area such as the Infinite Loop Town Hall in Cupertino, Yerba Buena Center in downtown San Francisco or even in the new Apple Campus 2 (if completed in time).

Update: However, recent rumors suggest the launch will happen March 20 or as far as April 4. The latter date will possibly coincide with the opening of Apple Park, the company’s new headquarters.

What will Apple announce?

New iPad Pro 2 lineup

In the upcoming event, Mac Otakara predicts that 4 new models of iPad Pro will be announced. The sizes are 12.9, 10.5, 9.7 and 7.9 inches.

The 12.9 and 9.7 inches will be an updated version while the 10.5 and 7.9 inches are new additions to the line. The 7.9-inch iPad will feature a Smart Connector and may possibly replace the iPad mini.

Most talked about though, is the new 10.5-inch model. This tablet may have the same display as the 9.7-inch since it will have a smaller bezel. Some rumors indicate this model may have an edge-to-edge display screen with no Home button! The expected screen resolution for this is 2,224 x 1,668 pixels.

An A9 processor will reportedly be used for the 9.7-inch model while the 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch models will have the A10X processor. There are also plans Apple will standardize the features for all the tablets like having quad microphones.

There’ve been talks that a possible upgrade for the line is shifting from LCD panels with LED backlight to OLED displays. Rumor has it that it’s Apple’s way of testing the waters for the iPhone 8. This type of display has also been rumored for the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S8.

All models will be launched during the event but shipping for the 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch models could still be in May or June.

Update: There’s also a speculation that the new devices may be available the same day they’re announced.

Rumored prices for the second-gen 9.7-inch iPad Pro can start at $499 while the 10.5-inch at $599; estimated prices for the rest are still unknown.

So far the only response from Apple are the recently released new iPad Pro Ads showing they can be the next PCs.

Higher-capacity iPhone SE

Apple will add to the iPhone SE line as well with a 128GB storage option to the existing 16GB and 64GB. Estimated price for the new phone is around $559.13-$621.25 (USD).

iPhone 7 and 7 Plus in color Red?

An iPhone 7 and 7 Plus in Red may finally be on its way to the shelves this year! This could be Apple’s way of gaining more sales before any refresh will be made.

How Tech Armor plans to protect these devices

Right now, we’re fairly confident our existing Ballistic Glass, HD Clear Film and Prime Glass screen protectors for the 12.9” and 9.7” iPad Pro will be compatible with the new models, but we can’t be 100% until the event. We are currently developing potential solutions for the 10.5” and 7.9” models and we will protect these devices with our HD Clear and Ballistic Glass screen protectors as soon as they’re launched. Our Prime Glass screens will be released shortly after. Since Prime Glass is more costly to manufacture, we MUST be 110% certain on the installed fit before we proceed.

So far that’s a rundown of the talks about the Apple Spring Event this 2017. Stay tuned as we update this article for any development. And of course how you can protect these next set of devices with Tech Armor! 😉

Sources:

http://www.macotakara.jp/blog/rumor/entry-31938.html

https://www.forbes.com/sites/ewanspence/2017/02/24/apple-news-headlines-iphone-new-leak-touchid-macbook-pro/#430531761738

http://mashable.com/2017/02/21/march-ipad-event-rumor/#pQDPV1JgeEqr

https://www.macrumors.com/2017/02/20/ipad-pro-march-event-128gb-iphone-se/

http://fortune.com/2017/02/23/tech-breakthroughs-apple-iphone-anniversary/

http://www.imore.com/apple-march-2017-event–

http://appleinsider.com/articles/17/02/20/rumor-apple-to-launch-ipad-pro-2-red-iphone-7-128gb-iphone-se-at-march-event

http://www.mirror.co.uk/tech/apple-march-event-red-iphone-9879171

https://www.forbes.com/sites/brookecrothers/2017/02/26/apple-readies-new-2017-ipad-pro-low-cost-ipad-but-release-date-not-certain/#2dbfc2d6939f

http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-will-reportedly-release-4-ipads-in-2017-2017-2

https://9to5mac.com/2017/02/23/ipad-pro-refresh-2017-delayed/