When Apple launched the iPhone 6 in 2014, its move to a larger screen yielded the most profitable quarter in US corporate history. Now, as the company faces the prospect that iPhone sales may fall this year for the first time, it is hoping a smaller and cheaper device will provide a much-needed sales boost.
Monday is expected to see Apple reveal a 4-inch iPhone SE, the same size as the 5 series introduced in 2012 but with updated technology, including Apple Pay, a better camera and a faster processor. New iPads with the same keyboard and Pencil accessories that arrived with last year’s Pro version and extra bands for the Apple Watch are also expected.
It is unusual timing for a new iPhone. After the first iPhone was launched in January 2007, the device was updated every June until 2011’s 4S, which began the now-familiar autumn refresh. A fuller update to its flagship smartphone is still expected in September.