Apple Gears up for the iPhone 5SE & 9.7-inch iPad Pro Launch Event

This week’s Apple event is also expected to feature the 9.7-inch iPad Pro.

Apple is set to host its launch event where the 4-inch iPhone 5SE is expected. (Photo: iStockphoto)

Apple is all set to host reporters and analysts at its Silicon Valley headquarters for a product launch event. While later this week, its lawyers will square off with authorities in federal court over the FBI’s demand for help unlocking a San Bernardino killer’s encrypted iPhone.

The tech giant’s dispute with the government has commanded headlines for weeks, but it may get scant mention at the company’s product event. Instead, CEO Tim Cook is expected to show off some new additions to the current family of iPhone and iPad devices at Monday’s gathering.

Many are wondering if Cook can come up with another big hit. So far, however, there have been no hints of any dramatic announcements, such as last year’s highly anticipated Apple Watch debut, or major initiatives like the company’s long-rumored but yet-to-materialize streaming TV service.

While Apple has kept mum about its plans, several analysts expect the company will introduce an upgrade to its older, four-inch iPhone 5S – aimed at consumers who haven’t sprung for the bigger-screen iPhone 6 models that Apple has introduced over the last two years.

The new phone may come with features like Apple Pay and the company’s fastest processor, which have previously been offered only on versions of the iPhone 6. Analysts and tech blogs say Apple also may unveil a new model of the iPad Pro, which the company introduced last year with several features – like a detachable keyboard and stylus – designed for business users.

A four-inch iPhone isn’t likely to see the kind of blockbuster demand that Apple enjoyed with its large-screen iPhone 6 and 6S models, according to several financial analysts, but it could help Apple boost overall sales. The smaller phone might also draw some additional users into the market for Apple’s online services, including Apple Music, Apple Pay and the highly profitable mobile App Store.

Even with new features, analysts say the 4-inch iPhone should sell at a lower price than the larger models, which list at $549 or more. That means it may appeal to some shoppers, especially in overseas markets, who want a premium phone at lower cost. It may also draw interest from owners of older iPhone 5 models who find the larger models unwieldy.

Of late, Apple has been aggressive with its plans for the Indian market, and the launch event is expected to have the country prominently in mind.