iPhone 5se , iPad Air 3 news, rumors: Apple to release budget phone, next gen iPad in March?

Apple just might introduce a budget phone called iPhone 5se along with the next generation iPad Air 3 on March 15 and have the products available for sale on March 18.

In line with this, Apple might not offer pre-orders for the devices as plans of the release date could change, according to the sources of 9TO5Mac. This strategy will likely serve as a countermeasure against Apple's competitors who are set to announce their new advancements at the Mobile World Congress. The MWC will be held in Barcelona from Feb. 22 to 25 – exactly two weeks ahead of the rumored release date of the new Apple devices.

According to sources, Apple's upcoming iPhone will be the budget option in its line of pricey phones and gadgets. It is reported to have a 4-inch screen; improved cameras from the 5s line; an A9 chip; and an NFC reader that will enable Apple Pay. The iPhone 5se is said to be Apple's replacement to the iPhone 5s and will reportedly be sold at $450 USD for its 16 GB model.

On related news, a new iPad Air 3 might be released along with the iPhone 5se. It is reported to have a 10.1-inch screen with features similar to the iPad Pro, which was released only in November last year. Rumor has it that the added features to the new upgrade will include improved speakers and a Smart Connector for easy connection to Apple's Smart Keyboard.

This rumored strategy of Apple to announce its new line of technologies in spring veers away from its traditional Apple Special Event, which always happens in September. Tech spectator Ewan Spence of Forbes voiced outs that this is a strategic move for Apple as it will enable them to spread their sales all throughout the year compared to gobbling their sales between September to the end of the year.