Apple iPhone 5se Release Date Rumored To Be March 22, Alongside Apple iPad Air 3

Apple iPhone 5c — Here is an alleged video clip and a photo from China that claim to show the upcoming Apple iPhone 5se with 4-inch display. Pictured above: A slew of iPhone 5c. Reuters

After releasing 5.0-inch+ display clad iPhones, Apple is trying to bring the once-preferred, compact, pocket-friendly variant back to the fore. The 4.0-inch iPhone 5se, also referred to as iPhone 6c, is Apple’s bet for this year. The schematic diagrams of the upcoming iPhone 5se were recently leaked by a case maker. And now, rumors suggest the possible release date of the handset.

Past rumors suggested that this device will be introduced on March 15. However, a new report from South Korea points to March 22 as the iPhone 5se release date. Apparently, Apple has postponed the spring event by a week for unknown reasons.

On the same day, Apple is expected to launch the heavily rumored iPad Air 3. Some improvements to the current-generation Apple Watch can also be expected from the event. However, Apple Watch 2 will not make an appearance at this special event.

As far as the iPhone 5se price goes, past rumors suggested that the mini handset will be priced at about $450 for the 16 GB storage variant, GSM Arena noted.

Speaking of configurations, this phone is believed to come with the same processor and chipset as the current-generation iPhone 6S. But then, Apple is believed to have improved the camera unit and added support for live photos and NFC.

The iPhone 5se will reportedly come housed with 16 GB and 64 GB of native storage space. A new "rose gold" variant of the mini handset will also be introduced.

When it comes to design, this iPhone 5se will apparently resemble the iPhone 5 lineup with metal plates placed on the back and glass caps as part of the top and the bottom. A FaceTime camera unit is believed to be mounted above the front-facing speaker. Besides, a Touch ID finger print sensor, support for Apple Pay and VoLTE have also been tipped.

In any case, readers are advised to take the reported iPhone 5se specifications, price and release date with the proverbial pinch of salt as the tech giant has not confirmed any information thus far.