Apple launches 9.7-inch variant of iPad Pro, smaller 4-inch iPhone SE

Apple revealed the iPhone SE which has all the key features of the larger iPhone 6S models and retains the design of the iPhone 5/5S. Hoping to entice users of older and smaller iPhones, the iPhone SE will be made availble in 16GB and 64GB variants (Canadian pricing starts at $579 up to $709). 

The new iPad Pro, brings all the features and horspower of the large 12.9-inch iPad into a more familiar 9.7-inch form factor previously devoted to the iPad Air. The new iPad Pro will start at $799 (CAD) for the 32GB with Wi-Fi model and $979 (CAD) for the 32GB Wi-Fi + Cellular model. Both iPad Pro sizes are available in offerings of 32GB, 128GB and a new 256GB capacity although pricing for other models has yet to be released. Both the new iPhone SE and iPad Pro 9.7-inch will be available for pre-order on March 24, they will begin shipping and be available in Apple Retail Stores on March 31.

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The Apple Beat: Apple to fill out product size gap in today’s announcement

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

An Apple Special Event in March is a little unusual but given the fact that the company omitted an October launch even (traditionally reserved for iPad and Mac refreshes) to host a packed September event to usher in a new AppleTV, iPhone 6S, iPad Pro and some new Apple Watch variants.

September's Special Event feels like a long time ago, and Apple must feel it needs to get back on the news cycle with products and not controversies. While CEO Tim Cook and the entire company have been on heavy news rotation by being caught in the centre of the FBI iPhone discussion (a topic that’s landed Tim Cook on the cover of Time to discuss privacy instead of revolutionary new products and technologies), the time is ripe for Apple to make some noise on the product end.

Aiming for a more exclusive venue at their HQ in Cupertino inside the Town Hall auditorium that sits 350 guests, Apple will live stream the event so that everyone can peep into the proceedings virtually.

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Cookie Monster, Jim Croce star in latest Siri-focused iPhone 6S ad

In case iPhone 6S users have forgotten, their device features an always listeing personal assistant that can be invoked by the 'Hey Siri' trigger phrase. The above ad shows Cookie Monster using Siri to time the cookies he is baking and also to access his playlist. Jim Croce's haunting "Time in a Bottle" plays as Cookie Monster agonizes over how long it is taking to get his treats baked. Its a simple, funny ad that appeals to everyone.

Apple's Tim Cook makes cover of Time for fight with FBI

Apple CEO Tim Cook is making the cover of Time Magazine but this time the focus is over the fight with the FBI. The cover shows  a black and white photo of a determined Tim Cook at his desk in Apple's headquarters flanked by an iPad Pro as well as an iMac.

The feature story is an exclusive interview that covers the implications of the much publicized stance Apple has taken on the side of privacy versus the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Apple is having a media event next week which will be live streamed. It is expected to be a product launch but many are wondering if Tim Cook will take at least a few minutes to address the elephant in the room and give the company's stand on what has turned out to be a hot topic that affects everyone.

The Time cover feature seems to cover all the bases of this issue and manages to air Apple's stance. Read more about it here.