Apple's reintroduction of an iPhone with a 4-inch screen has long been rumored. Now, after Apple announced it will host a launch event on March 15, the unveiling of what's being called the "iPhone 5SE" is almost undeniably assured.

Apple, of course, did not reveal a lot of details about the event, but according to 9to5Mac's Mark Gurman -- a close watcher of the company with contact on the inside -- the unveiling of the iPhone 5SE is almost certain to happen on the ides of March this year.

In fact, the event could be quite exciting for Apple fans, according to Gurman, who thinks March 15 will include the introduction of more than just a new 4-inch iPhone.

"Apple is currently aiming to unveil the new 4inch iPhone 5se, the iPad Air 3, and new Apple Watch band options at an event on Tuesday, March 15," wrote Gurman, based on his unnamed sources. "The media event would be Apple's first since September, and much like the fall event, is planned to touch on three major product categories for the company."

As we've previously reported, the iPhone 5se -- previously nicknamed the iPhone 6C by the tech press rumor mill -- is likely to include an A9 system on a chip, better cameras than its predecessor, the iPhone 5s, and, of course, that 4-inch display.

Rumors have the iPhone 5SE costing around the same price as the iPhone 5s, which is a pricing strategy to once again create a category of iPhones you can get for "free" with a two-year contract. Specific pricing is sketchy, but Gurman's sources placed an unlocked iPhone 5SE at about $450 to start.

Disappointingly, rumors have Apple sticking with the entry-level internal storage spec of 16GB (which is pretty low for most users these days) in order to make that price point, with the next model up having 64GB of internal storage.

Whether or not the iPhone 5SE will jettison the standard audio jack for wireless ear buds, come with a Touch ID fingerprint scanner, or include any other bells and whistles is still up for debate.

Related