Apple Unveils Cheaper, Smaller iPhone (But Yes, There’s Still An ‘Australia Tax’)

Apple CEO Tim Cook did the whole ‘Apple thing’ today, revealing the latest batch of innovations in their smartphone and tablet range to an eager audience in Cupertino, California.

The thing is, their 2016 update has inspired a bit of déjà vu among techheads.

Their updated iPhone SE (which, awesomely, carries the same initials of Student Edge) has much of the processing power of the 6s and 6s Plus, along with a 12-megapixel camera, but is smaller in size. In fact, by Gizmodo’s reporting, it looks as if Apple is reverting to the 4-inch display and squared-off body of 2013’s model, the 5s.

Though the move will surely be read by some as Apple fleeing from their recent attempts to emulate rival Samsung’s larger smartphone models, much of the human population with slightly smaller hands (especially Donald Trump) will welcome the shrinkage.

Helpfully, the iPhone SE will be Apple’s least expensive launch iPhone to date, though the gargantuan ‘Australia Tax’ remains. Retailing for $US399 in the States, the basic 16GB iPhone SE will cost Aussies $AU679. (A 64GB version costs $AU829.)

Both go on sale March 31, but you’ll be able to give Apple your money one week in advance via pre-sales.

Apple also used the Town Hall event to unveill the smaller iPad Pro with a 9.7 inch display; a downgrade from the 12.9 inch model now on sale.

Furthermore, Apple announced they will cut the entry-level price of its Apple Watch (to $US299), while also launching iOS 9.3 in conjunction with their new products. The operating system’s biggest advancement? Something called ‘Night Shift’, which is no longer just the name of a Michael Keaton movie, but actually a feature that automatically changes the tone and brightness of the screen depending on the time.

You know, it’s the little things?

Photo: Apple.