Apple device lovers can now preorder the iPhone SE and 9.7-inch iPad Pro via the Apple online store.
During the launch event on Monday, Apple confirmed that it will start accepting orders for the two devices starting March 24. In the first round customers in the U.S., Australia, China, Canada, Germany, France, New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong, U.S. Virgin Island, UK, Singapore and Puerto Rico will be able to preorder.
A few hours before the pages for the new products went live, Apple customers who visited the official Apple store were greeted with a message — displayed in a number of languages — informing of site maintenance before preorder starts. This is the usual practice of the company when new products hit the market.
"We can't wait to show you what we have in store," reads the message on Apple online store. "Our virtual doors are just about to open. Thank you so much for your enthusiasm and your patience as we work to get everyone in as quickly as possible. Keep checking back, because it won't be long now."
The iPhone SE sports some of the same features found on the flagship iPhone 6s but has a smaller 4-inch screen. The new Apple smartphone has the same design as found on the iPhone 5s. The iPhone SE will attract those who want a top-end phone but do not want the big screen and the premium price.
"iPhone SE is an exciting new idea - we started with a beloved, iconic design and reinvented it from the inside out. The result is the most beautiful and powerful phone with a four-inch display in the world," says Philip Schiller, Apple's SVP of Worldwide Marketing. "Everyone who wants a smaller phone is going to love iPhone SE."
The iPhone SE will be available in four colors: rose gold metallic, space gray, silver and gold colors and the handset has a starting price tag of $399 in the U.S.
Tablet lovers have also been waiting for the 9.7-inch successor of the iPad Air 2 and Apple finally launched the long-awaited tablet called 9.7-inch iPad Pro on Monday. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro and the 9.7-inch iPad Pro have many similar specs such as the processor, Smart Connector and more. However, some features of the smaller iPad Pro are even better than the bigger sibling such as the camera.
"iPad Pro is a new generation of iPad that is indispensable and immersive, enabling people to be more productive and more creative," said Schiller. "The 9.7-inch iPad Pro has a new Retina display with True Tone technology, four-speaker audio system, blazing fast A9X chip, 12-megapixel iSight camera, 5-megapixel FaceTime HD camera, faster wireless, and support for Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard. It is the ultimate upgrade for existing iPad users and replacement for PC users."
The starting price of the 9.7-inch iPad Pro is $599 (Wi-Fi only) and $729 (Wi-Fi and Cellular model). Customers will have the option to purchase gold, rose gold metallic, silver or space gray hues.
iFans will be eagerly waiting to lay their hands on the new iDevices. Apple has confirmed that shipping of the new iPhone SE and the 9.7-inch iPad Pro will start on March 31.
