UPDATED 04:25 EDT / MARCH 22 2017

APPS

Apple announces new 9.7-inch iPad, upgraded iPhone SE, social video editing app and more

Rumors had been making the rounds that Apple Inc. would be unveiling its new iPad models this month and the company hasn’t disappointed. While rumors suggested the news would coincide with a launch event at the end of the month, Apple simply made the announcements to a few media outlets and placed the updates on its website.

As part of the announcements, Apple launched a variety of updated cheaper iPad models, including the new 9.7-inch iPad, an upgraded iPhone SE and a new (PRODUCT)RED iPhone 7 and 7 Plus.

The company also unveiled a new social editing app called Clips, which will be available to download for free from the App Store next month.

Here’s a detailed look at everything Apple announced:

New 9.7-inch iPad

The main news from Apple is the launch of a new 9.7-inch iPad (pictured) equipped with an A9 chip. The new iPad comes with a brighter Retina display and will replace the iPad Air 2. The new model, simply called iPad, will be Apple’s new entry-level iPad and will be available to order starting Mar. 24.

The new 9.7-inch iPad is very similar to the iPad Air 2. Apart from a faster A9 chip and brighter Retina display with over 3.1 million pixels, the new iPad is also slightly thicker and heavier.

Other features of the iPad include a 9.7-inch screen with 2,048 x 1,536 resolution at 264 ppi. It also has an 8MP rear-facing iSight camera and a 1.2MP front-facing FaceTime camera. In addition, there are two speakers, Lightning connector, 3.5mm headphone jack, Touch ID with Apple Pay, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, and Bluetooth 4.2.

The 32GB Wi-Fi iPad starts at $329 while the 32GB Wi-Fi and Cellular model starts at $459.

In addition to the new 9.7-inch iPad, Apple also announced that its iPad mini 4 is available with more storage for the same price. The 128GB Wi-Fi model will start at $399 while the 128GB Wi-Fi and Cellular model will start at $529.

(PRODUCT)RED iPhone 7 and 7 Plus

red-iphone-7

To mark its 10-year partnership with (RED), Apple has announced its iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus (PRODUCT)RED Special Edition.

Apple’s partnership provides users with the opportunity to contribute to the Global Fund to fight AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. Through its partnership with (RED), Apple has contributed over $130 million to the Global Fund.

The new iPhone 7 and 7 Plus will be available to order online and in store from Friday, Mar. 24. The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus (PRODUCT)RED Special Edition will be available in 128GB and 256GB models with prices starting at $749.

iPhone SE

Apple has also updated its iPhone SE, which the company unveiled a year ago. The new iPhone SE’s only change is an upgrade in storage and will now be available in a 32GB and 128GB options, replacing the 16GB and 64GB models. The starting price for the iPhone SE remains at $399 and will go on sale on Friday, Mar. 24.   

apple-clips-appClips app: social video editing app

In addition to new hardware, Apple has also launched a new social editing app called Clips.

The new app, which will be available next month, will allow users to combine video clips, photos and music into video. The app also features Live Titles that will allow app users to create animated captions and titles using their voice. Live Titles offers support for 36 languages. The Clips app also has various filters and effects including comic book filters, speech bubbles, shapes and full-screen animated posters.

Users will then be able to share the completed video through the Messages app or via social networks such as Facebook and Instagram.  

The Clips app will be compatible with iPhone 5s and later, the new 9.7-inch iPad, all iPad Air and iPad Pro models, iPad mini 2 and later, and iPod touch 6th generation. Devices must be running iOS 10.3.

Other Apple announcements

Apple also introduced some new Apple Watch bands, including a new striped woven nylon, Nike Sport and Apple Watch Hermès bands.

The company also announced new iPhone 7 and 7 Plus cases available in six new colors. The silicon cases, available in Azure, Camellia and Pebble will retail for $35. While the leather cases, available in Berry, Taupe and Sapphire will retail for $49.

Images: Apple

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