Apple downsizes: Tech giant launches $399 4-inch iPhone SE, a cut-price Watch and a smaller, more powerful iPad Pro
4-inch iPhone SE handset was launched at event in San Francisco and is said to be the 'most powerful ever'
Apple also debuted new nylon Watch straps and a new, smaller and more powerful 9.7-inch iPad Pro
Prices for the iPhone SE start at $399, iPad Pro prices start at $599 and both will be available to order on 24 March
For more of the latest Apple updates visit www.dailymail.co.uk/apple
By Mark Prigg In San Francisco and Sarah Griffiths and Abigail Beall and Victoria Woollaston for MailOnline
Apple has gone back to its roots today by unveiling a 4-inch handset dubbed iPhone SE.
It is the first 4-inch phone to be unveiled since the iPhone 5s and 5c and was announced at a press conference in San Francisco alongside a new 9.7-inch iPad Pro.
Apple's boss Tim Cook opened the event by revealing there are now one billion active Apple devices globally, and he revealed the Watch price will now be $299, down from $349 in the US, and £259 down from £299 in the UK.
Apple has gone back to its roots today by unveiling a 4-inch handset dubbed iPhone SE. The phone was announced at an event in San Francisco by Apple's Greg Joswiak (pictured)
Apple's Watch now starts at $299 in the US - down from $349 - and will come with a range of colourful nylon straps (selection pictured)
The iPhone SE is said to have the same performance as the 6S and 'delivers incredible battery improvements' - although Apple did not give any specifics.
It has a 12MP iSight camera with True Tone flash and can capture 4K video, edit up to 2 streams and has TouchID for Apple Pay built in.
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Prices for the iPhone SE start at $399 in the US and £359 in the UK, and will be available in space grey, silver, gold and rose gold metallic finishes in 16GB and 64GB.
In addition to the iPhone SE, Apple unveiled a new 9.7-inch iPad Pro.
It has nearly identical features and specifications as the bigger model, with an A9X processor and RAM upgrades from the 12.9-inch model.
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iPHONE SE AND NEW IPAD PRO SPECIFICATIONS
New iPad Pro
Screen size: 4-inches 9.7-inch True Tone display
Chip: 64-bit A9 chip 64-bit A9X chip
Processor: M9 motion co-processor Integrated M9 co-processor
Camera: 12MP iSight camera with Retina Flash 12MP iSight Camera with True Tone Flash and a 5MP FaceTime HD camera with Retina Flash
Panoramas: Up to 63MP Up to 63MP
Video: 4K quality 4K quality
Operating system iOS 9.3 iOS 9.3
Assistant: Always-on 'Hey Siri' Always-on 'Hey Siri'
Extras: Apple Pay, improved battery life, faster Wi-Fi and LTE Less than 1lb (0.45kg) in weight, four speakers, with accessories including a pencil, keyboard and smart adapters
Colours: Four: rose gold, gold, silver and space grey Four: rose gold, gold, silver and space grey
Price: $399 for 16GB and $499 for 64GB $599 for 32GB, $749 for 128GB and $899 for 256GB
Availability: Orders begin on 24 March and shipping starts on 31 March Orders begin on 24 March and shipping starts on 31 March
Prices for the iPhone SE start at $399 in the US and £359 in the UK and will be available in space grey, silver, gold and rose gold metallic finishes (pictured from left to right) in 16GB and 64GB versions
The iPhone SE is said to have the same performance as the 6S and 'delivers incredible battery improvements' - although Apple did not give any specifics
The iPhone SE is said to have the same performance as the 6S and 'delivers incredible battery improvements' - although Apple did not give any specifics. It has a 12MP iSight camera with True Tone flash and can capture 4K video, edit two streams and has TouchID for Apple Pay
It also includes the 12.9-inch model's updated display technology to support the Apple Pencil.
Speaking at the event, Apple's Phil Schiller said: 'We started iPad with a 9.7-inch display, and we've sold over 200 million. This is the ultimate upgrade.'
Other specifications include a so-called True Tone display that automatically alters the colours depending on ambient light conditions.
It has a smart keyboard designed for smaller design, and comes in a 256GB version.
Prices start at $599 for the 32GB version - $200 less expensive than the larger model - $749 for the 128GB model and $899 for the 256GB version. In the UK, the 32GB model starts at £499.
Both the iPhone SE and the new iPad Pro will be available to order from 24 March and shipping will begin on 31 March.
DAILYMAIL.COM'S FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE IPHONE SE
The rose gold iPhone SE is pictured in the foreground at the event in San Francisco
Mark Prigg from Dailymail.com said:
'The key to the iPhone SE is a simple - familiarity.
This is a handset that looks identical, on the outside at least, to the hugely popular iPhone 5s, with the only obvious difference being a new matte metal finish.
'However, switch it on, and it becomes apparently this is a 'retro' iPhone in looks only. It's blazingly fast - and playing several high intensity games show that this really is as powerful as the current flagship, the 6s.
'The camera has also had a huge update, and it boasts a 12MP camera, which, in our limited testing, produced some great shots - not quite as impressive as the 6S plus, but you can also create live pictures, which is a welcome addition.
'It's just as well built, and the new rose gold option is beautiful - despite the rather ugly plastic antenna strips.
'In terms of weight, it's identical to the 5 series, and as an iPhone 6s Plus users, it feels small at first - but after a few minutes, one suddenly remembers how nice having a small phone can be - and I'd expect many to buy this as a backup or second phone.
'With the TouchID sensor you can use a print instead of a password, and also use Apple Pay.
'Overall, the iPhone SE is a fascinating product, and one destined to do incredibly well.
'It really hits a sweetspot in the Apple lineup of people who perhaps don't want, or can't afford a flagship handset.
'It will undoubtedly do the job Apple wants it to, attracting new users during a time when sales of the flagship model are stalling.
'It may seem like a step back, and a 'retro' handset - but the SE could be the sleeper hit of the iPhone range, and bring millions of new users who previously haven't wanted to commit to an expensive flagship handset.
'It's about giving customers options - and for an awful lot of people, the SE will do everything they want.'
Apple also showed off a new range of watch bands (right), including a black version of the Milanese Loop, new colours for Hermes straps and another line of bands made from nylon at today's event. The tech giant's boss Tim Cook (left) said the Apple Watch sold particularly well in December - possibly because people bought the devices as Christmas presents
The iPhone SE is pictured with its starting price in the US. Apple also said the latest update for its operating system, iOS 9.3, will be available from today
The new iPad pro, at right, is seen next to an older version and the Apple pencil, middle, during an event at Apple headquarters. has nearly identical features and specifications as the bigger model, with a A9X processor and RAM upgrades from the 12.9-inch version
Prices for the new iPad Pro (specifications pictured with Phil Schiller) start at $599 for the 32GB version - $200 less expensive than the larger model - $749 for the 128GB model and $899 for the 256GB version. In the UK, the 32GB model starts at £499. The new iPad Pro is also available to order from 24 March and will begin shipping on 31 March
TIM COOK ADDRESSES ENCRYPTION
Apple boss Tim Cook began the event by discussing the encryption battle with the FBI.
He revealed there are now more than a billion Apple devices in use around the world.
'We built the iPhone for you, we know it is a deeply personal device,' he said.
'About a month ago we asked Americans across the country to join in a conversation
'I've been humbled and deeply grateful for the support we've recieved.
'We did not expect to be at odds with our own government, but we believe strongly we have a responsibility to protect your data.
'We will not shrink from this responsibility.'
It will come in four metal finishes and will be available in rose gold for the first time.
Apple also said the latest update for its operating system, iOS 9.3, will be available from today.
Commenting on the iPhone SE, Stephen Ebbett, global director of gadget insurer Protect Your Bubble, told MailOnline: 'A less powerful processor would have been perfectly acceptable in a cheaper iPhone but, with the processor and graphics on par with the iPhone 6s, you're left wondering what features have Apple scrimped on to keep costs down?
'Other than the screen size, not many it seems.'
Carolina Milanesi of Kantor World Panel added: 'There's a lot there in terms of price. $399 is good price point, and I expected $450. It's also great for expanding Apple's ecosystem.'
The beginning of the event concentrated on Apple's environmental and health schemes.
Lisa Jackson, Apple's environmental head, said the firm is now 100% renewable in 23 countries around the world.
She then showed a video about a robot called 'Liam' that can recycle parts from old iPhones.
'There is no other machine that can do what Liam can,' said Ms Jackson. 'It separates the iPhone into its components.'
Parts are detected, removed and then separated so the materials inside those parts can be re-purposed.
To rescue cobalt and lithium from the battery and extract silver and platinum, for example, so the materials in an old iPhone can live on.
Jeff Williams, Apple's Chief Operating Officer then unveiled CareKit - a follow-up to the firm's ResearchKit.
Apple CEO Tim Cook shows off the new, smaller iPad Pro at the company's product launch event at Apple headquarters in Cupertino
The event was held at Town Hall, a small theatre (exterior pictured left and interior right) inside Apple's HQ in Cupertino holding around 500 people. It is expected to be the last time the space is used before Apple moves to its new 'spaceship' HQ next year - which has a far larger theatre sunk underground in the middle of the loop
The phone is the first 4-inch phone to be unveiled since the iPhone 5s (pictured) and 5c. Apple ditched the smaller models in favour of its current iPhone 6 and 6 Plus range, but said it was now responding to customer feedback
Apple Senior Vice President of Marketing Phil Schiller (pictured) introduced the new iPad Pro (right). The new Lightning to SD Card Camera Reader and Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter make it easy to download photos and videos from a digital camera to iPad (left)
Apple's boss Tim Cook revealed there are now 1 billion active Apple devices around the world (pictured). He also began the event by discussing the encryption battle with the FBI, adding the company will not shrink away from protecting the firm's customer's data
'Virtually overnight, the research studies we launched became some of the largest in history with tens of thousands of people signing up,' he explained.
He specifically quoted a Parkinson's Disease study that became the largest of its kind in 24 hours.
He said: 'Researchers are gaining insights that weren't possible before...and Research Kit is opening up all kinds of possibilities.'
Under CareKit, the first app will be used to study Parkinson's Disease, and six medical centres will start using the app immediately.
Apple is working with Texas Medical center to develop app for surgery patients to track information
Last month, Apple announced a first-quarter net profit rise of 1.9 percent to $18.36 billion, (£12.85 billion) while revenue increased 1.7 percent to $75.87 billion (£53.02 billion).
While both were records for the company, the figures fell short of analyst expectations.
DAILYMAIL.COM'S FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE IPAD PRO
The iPad Pro and Apple Pencil is pictured. DailyMail.com believes the tablet will be popular with corporate groups
DailyMail.com's Mark Prigg said:
'With its vast screen, the iPad Pro was billed as a powerful laptop replacement - but what about those who want a smaller, 'normal' sized iPad?
'The new 9.7-inch iPad Pro offers a solution - the power of the larger machine crammed into a smaller tablet.
'It's virtually identical, even having the same smart keyboard available to help those who need to type.
'The new iPad is also $200 cheaper, something sure to attract many corporate buyers to it. Several analysts we spoke to reckon it might become a huge hit in the corporate world because of this.
'In use, it's fantastic - if you like the iPad. It has many of the same advantages including a blazing fast processor and the same incredible screen as its big brother.
'However, Apple still needs to work on the iOS software for the Pro line, and even though the keyboard shortcuts and in screen video windows make it possible to use this as a laptop, one feels Apple still has a little work to do before it can really take on the laptop.
'However, this won't stop the iPad Pro.
'For many users, creative types and corporate groups in particular, the new iPad Pro might well be the perfect tablet - the power of the Pro, but in the size of the hugely popular original iPad.'
At the same event, Jeff Williams, Apple's Chief Operating Officer unveiled CareKit - a follow-up to the firm's ResearchKit. Under CareKit, the first app will be used to study Parkinson's Disease, and six medical centres will start using the app immediately. Apple is working with Texas Medical center to develop app for surgery patients to track information
Speaking at the event, Apple's Phil Schiller (pictured) said: 'We started iPad with a 9.7-inch display, and we've sold over 200 million. This is the ultimate upgrade.' The new iPad is shown in the background with the Apple Pencil
The new iPad Pro has a smart keyboard designed for the smaller design (pictured), and comes in a 256GB version
The new iPad Pro is seen on display during an event at the Apple headquarters in Cupertino. It is available in rose gold for the first time
It reported lower-than-expected iPhone sales in the latest quarter, its slowest-ever growth in shipments, as the company began to feel the effects of economic softness in the critical Chinese market.
Apple said in February it sold 74.8 million iPhones in the three months ending 26 December, the first full quarter of sales of the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus.
This rise in iPhone shipments was the smallest since the second fiscal quarter of 2013.
It is hoped the smaller iPhone SE will bolster this.
Apple also showed off a new range of watch bands, including a black version of the Milanese Loop, a new colour for Hermes straps and another line of bands made from nylon at today's event.
A selection of Apple's new colour options for its Watch straps is pictured. Nylon versions are pictured far left in red and black
Apple Sr. Vice President of Marketing Phil Schiller introduces the new iPad Pro. It has a 64-bit A9X chip that rivals most portable PCs, along with a four-speaker audio system that is twice as powerful
The tech giant's boss Tim Cook said the Apple Watch sold particularly well in December - possibly because people bought the devices as Christmas presents.
He said of the company's earnings: 'Our team delivered Apple's biggest quarter ever, thanks to the world's most innovative products and all-time record sales of iPhone, Apple Watch and Apple TV.'
Earlier this month, Apple unveiled a new night mode for iOS devices designed to help owners sleep.
Called 'Night Shift', it was shown off as part of a beta version of iOS 9.3, the firm's next update, and will be available on the iPad Pro by default. Tim Cook made specific reference to the feature at today's event.
'Many studies have shown that exposure to bright blue light in the evening can affect your circadian rhythms and make it harder to fall asleep,' Apple said.
A smaller update concerned Apple TV. Tim Cook (pictured) said it had the largest sales ever for Apple TV last quarter and there are now 5,000 apps. As part of the update, Apple is adding folders to organise apps on your homescreen, dictation, Siri - all available today
'Night Shift uses your iOS device's clock and geolocation to determine when it's sunset in your location. Then it automatically shifts the colors in your display to the warmer end of the spectrum, making it easier on your eyes.
'In the morning, it returns the display to its regular settings.'
Behavioural expert Jo Allison from Canvas8 added: '[It] may seem like a small feature but as 95 per cent of people use their laptop, smartphone or watch TV an hour before bedtime, Apple is positioning itself as a brand that really cares for it users' health.'
PHONE SPECIFICATIONS - A COMPARISON
FRONT-FACING CAMERA
REAR-FACING CAMERA
iPhone SE 4 inch 16GB and 64GB 1.2MP with flash 12MP
Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge 5.5-inch 32GB 5MP 12MP
Samsung Galaxy S7 5.1-inch 32GB 5MP 12MP
iPhone 6s 4.7-inch 16GB, 64GB and 128GB 5MP 12MP
iPhone 6s Plus 5.5-inch 16GB, 64GB and 128GB 5MP 12MP
Lumia Cityman 5.7-inch 32GB 5MP 20MP
Lumia Talkman 5.2-inch 32GB 5MP 20MP
iPhone 6 4.7-inch 16GB, 64GB and 128GB 1.2MP 8MP
iPhone 6 Plus 5.5-inch 16GB, 64GB and 128GB 1.2MP 8MP
Amazon Fire 4.7-inch 32GB and 64GB 2.1MP 13MP
Samsung Galaxy Note Edge 5.6-inch 32GB and 64GB 3.7MP 16MP
Samsung Galaxy S6 5.1-inch 32GB, 64GB and 128GB 5MP 16MP
Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge 5.1-inch 32GB, 64GB and 128GB 5MP 16MP
HTC One M9 5-inch 32GB 4MP 20.7MP
Samsung Galaxy S5 5.1-inch 16 and 32GB 2MP 16MP
iPhone 5S 4-inch 16, 32 and 64GB 1.2MP 8MP
HTC One 4.7-inch 32 and 64GB 2.1MP 4MP
HTC One M8 5-inch 16 and 32GB 5MP 4MP
iPhone 5C 4-inch 16 and 32GB 1.2MP 8MP
Nokia 1020 4.5-inch 32GB 1.2MP 41MP
Samsung Galaxy S4 5-inch 16, 32 and 64GB 2MP 13MP
Nexus 5 4.95-inch 16 and 32GB 1.3MP 8MP
Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide product marketing, talks about the Apple pencil during an event at Apple
Apple CEO Tim cook stands in front of an image of the new company headquarters. During the event, he bid farewell to the company's town hall theater in Cupertino. in 2017, Apple will be moving into the new circular headquarters (pictured)
Apple likely to debut iPad Air 3 at March event; new Apple Watch models revealed | 9to5Mac
Apple eyes March 15 event for iPhone 5se, iPad Air 3 & Apple Watch updates | 9to5Mac
4-inch iPhone 5se & iPad Air 3 planned to go on sale March 18th | 9to5Mac
iPhone 5se drawings: nearly identical to 5s, relocated power key + slightly curved edges | 9to5Mac
Apple likely to drop the '5', call new 4-inch model the 'iPhone SE' | 9to5Mac
9.7-inch iPad Pro to start at higher $599 price, come in 32 GB & 128 GB capacities | 9to5Mac
iPhone SE design 'identical' to 5s with matte edges, will include 12 MP camera & 4K video | 9to5Mac
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