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Bloomberg: 'iPhone SE 2' Launch Still on Course for March Despite Coronavirus Outbreak, New iPad Pro Models in First Half of 2020

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Bloomberg this morning reports that Apple's new low-cost iPhone is still on course for launch next month, despite the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on production, although new iPad Pro models originally scheduled for the first half of 2020 could yet face delays or constraints.

iphone-9-onleaks-1.jpg
Image via @Onleaks​
The [low-cost iPhone] is still on track to launch in March, though the plans are still fluid, according to people familiar with the matter. Apple has also been preparing updated iPad Pro models with a new camera system for the first half of 2020 and the virus may yet impose delays or constraints on those plans.
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Bloomberg's sources don't conflict with noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo's latest predictions for the new low-cost iPhone, which is rumored to be based on the iPhone 8, but with upgraded internals. In a research note seen yesterday by MacRumors, Kuo reiterated his belief that the "iPhone 9" or "?iPhone SE 2"? is still expected to launch in the first half of this year in spite of the impact of the viral outbreak on production.

Rumors have been pointing toward a significant iPad Pro update in the first half of this year, including a new triple-lens rear camera system supporting 3D sensing for immersive augmented reality experiences. Today's report also broadly aligns with claims made on Monday by DigiTimes that production on the new iPad Pro models has been slow to ramp up following the extended Lunar New Year holiday, although the Taiwan-based website maintains that launch of the new devices is still expected "around March."

Aside from potential delays, Apple's spring media events have often occurred in March, and the list of products with rumored imminent updates has pointed toward one of those spring events being held again this year. A report yesterday claimed that Apple plans to hold a media event at the very end of March, with Tuesday, March 31 being the most likely date. The launch of the new low-cost iPhone is said to follow on Friday, April 3.

In addition to the new low-cost ?iPhone, rumors suggest Apple is planning to release an updated 13-inch MacBook Pro, while more outlying launch possibilities for the first half of 2020 include a MacBook Air update, Apple's Tile-like "AirTags" item trackers, and perhaps a wireless charging mat.

Article Link: Bloomberg: 'iPhone SE 2' Launch Still on Course for March Despite Coronavirus Outbreak, New iPad Pro Models in First Half of 2020
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2020/02/18/iphone-9-launch-still-on-course-march/
Delay or not, it won’t affect Apples track record for a successful launch. More importantly, that this outbreak recovers from those impacted by this travesty.
 
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lotzosushi said:
This SE2 has been "coming soon" for years.
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Apple: "We might update it next year. Or the year after next. Or not at all. Maybe. Possibly."

Hmmm... why do Apple's "mini" products have an abysmal update track-record? I just realized this.

iPad Mini went 4 years between the latest updates... Mac Mini also 4 years... iPhone SE will be 4 years in March... do we see a pattern here?

:p
 
I'm really undecided about what to do with the iPad Pro.

We want to upgrade our iPads, and had decided to do so early this year. The only reason we haven't done so is because of an upcoming update. However, the rumours are so unclear, and the current model has everything we need (don;'t use the camera, and is certainly fast enough for our needs).

I know that we should wait, if only to preserve a bit of value as we always sell on our old models, but I just get a feeling that we may keep waiting for another couple of months and end up wishing we had just got on and purchased now.

I'm so tempted to just buy now, but will I regret it in a few months?
 
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Hopefully but highly unlikely Apple will use this launch to set a new design direction for all future iPhone devices with the removal of all ports and physical switches in an all new virtual buttons and Touch ID and single camera hole without notch, removal of earpiece speaker with new top and bottom side speakers and mic and new magnetic wireless charging dock and non-serviceable sealed glass enclosure.
 
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I think Apple can actually take out wireless charging and replace the expensive glass back with aluminum like in iPhone 6. Change the round edges with square unibody edges like iPhone SE 1, then reuse the camera and flashlight from iPhone 7. Support dual SIM and eSIM. Add support for the new millimeter wave Apple tag $h!t by using A13 chip with 2GB RAM and iPhone 11 wireless modern

High margin, good lineup differentiations, and good bargain for $399
 
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BvizioN said:
My excitement level for this Apple product: ZERO
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It's not for me either and that is the point, it will barely register on the radar of existing Apple customers, As a loss leader (though I am certain it'll not be sold at a loss) it's a gateway model to get new people into the Apple Ecosystem. Given the push towards services and the tiny development cost, this can only be good for Apple's shareholders.
 
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Michael Scrip said:
Apple: "We might update it next year. Or the year after next. Or not at all. Maybe. Possibly."

Hmmm... why do Apple's "mini" products have an abysmal update track-record? I just realized this.

iPad Mini went 4 years between the latest updates... Mac Mini also 4 years... iPhone SE will be 4 years in March... do we see a pattern here?

:p
Click to expand...

that’s because they don’t drive revenue and drive demand away from potential flagship purchasers.
 
Smartass said:
Hi, nice to see you recovered fully after being 4 years in a coma! One bad news for you, Apple killed headphone jack just right after you fell into coma. But no worries, Bluetooth is the new standard now! No wires, Enjoy!
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Yeah, one more thing to charge...

It is nothing better than to have USB-A headset (I was given one), 3.5 mm Jack headphones from my previous iPhone and Bluetooth headphones because the place in the iPhone is "prime" real estate.

Or I can just get a Android Phone with 3.5 mm Jack...

There is so much mess in the Apple Ecosystem. Geez, it is like before Jobs came back, Lightning, USB-C, Jack, No Jack, Thunderbolt 3, Mini display port.

I miss those times when everything was uniform over all lines.

I do not understand why at this stage they are not using USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 for everything.

Wait it would be too simple. We love chaos. We love to sell dongles. We love to sell extra bluetooth headphones. Because those sheeps will always pay, right?

Apple died with Jobs.
They ousted Forstall, They ousted Ive. They just took the products Jobs had in the pipeline and since then, they are just cherry picking the best ideas from competition and call it innovation.

That is why MBP Retina was the most beloved Macbook. That is why the 4,4s,5,5s were the hottest iPhones.

Look at what happened since then:

1. Camera which does not fit in the body.
2. Notch in the display.
3. Sh*tty keyboards.
4. All that dongle mess.
5. Touchbar.
6. Lightning/USB-C/Thunderbolt cables.
7. Yeah, and the Jack...
 
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KeithJenner said:
I'm really undecided about what to do with the iPad Pro.

We want to upgrade our iPads, and had decided to do so early this year. The only reason we haven't done so is because of an upcoming update. However, the rumours are so unclear, and the current model has everything we need (don;'t use the camera, and is certainly fast enough for our needs).

I know that we should wait, if only to preserve a bit of value as we always sell on our old models, but I just get a feeling that we may keep waiting for another couple of months and end up wishing we had just got on and purchased now.

I'm so tempted to just buy now, but will I regret it in a few months?
Click to expand...

WRONG, ya shall buy. Get some mo for the old stuff and an iPad which fits your needs for a decent price at Amazon. Waiting to get the newest makes no sense, imho!
 
Romeo_Nightfall said:
WRONG, ya shall buy. Get some mo for the old stuff and an iPad which fits your needs for a decent price at Amazon. Waiting to get the newest makes no sense, imho!
Click to expand...
I'm starting to come round to that way of thinking.

I'm not a regular upgrader. I tend to buy a new phone every 3 years, and get it on release date. I used to make sure I got the highest spec possible as there used to be big differences towards the end of that upgrade cycle. However, the iPad Pro's have more in common with the Mac as goes the specs required for my needs, and I keep those for around 6 years. The first thing that will get me looking at upgrading next time is likely to be the battery, and that will last just as long whether I buy now or wait a few months for the new model.

I'm very tempted to just go ahead and buy now.
 
Glad to hear that Apple is still planning on the the iPhone SE 2 release, hopefully without the need for a delay.
 
KeithJenner said:
I'm starting to come round to that way of thinking.

I'm not a regular upgrader. I tend to buy a new phone every 3 years, and get it on release date. I used to make sure I got the highest spec possible as there used to be big differences towards the end of that upgrade cycle. However, the iPad Pro's have more in common with the Mac as goes the specs required for my needs, and I keep those for around 6 years. The first thing that will get me looking at upgrading next time is likely to be the battery, and that will last just as long whether I buy now or wait a few months for the new model.

I'm very tempted to just go ahead and buy now.
Click to expand...

Something to consider is that with the last iPad Pro update, the prior versions were sold for significant discounts after the new version was released. ;-)
 
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