Apple Announcement Event Coming This Month

iPhone company Apple will hold an announcement event at its headquarters on March 21, the California-based technology giant has announced. The event will take place that day at 10 AM PST. An invitation sent to media, including GameSpot sister site CNET, teases, "Let us loop you in."

CNET reports that this is not likely about a hyperloop train but rather a new band for the Apple Watch or possibly the revival of the iPod loop strap in some form. Or maybe it's something else entirely.

"Two products are widely expected to be unveiled at the event," CNET's Scott Stein writes. "The first is a successor to the 9.7-inch iPad Air 2, and the second is a smaller 4-inch iPhone that will replace the iPhone 5S as Apple's most affordable entry-level model."

"While it's been almost exactly a year since Apple unveiled the first Apple Watch, a second-generation timepiece may not debut until later this year," he added. "Instead, expect minor Watch updates like new bands and watch faces, and possibly updated software. Software updates for Apple Watch, Apple TV, and iOS have been available in beta, but haven't launched to the general public yet."

Apple has been in the news a lot lately, but not for any new product announcements. The company is involved in a legal battle with the United States government regarding access to the San Bernadino shooter's iPhone.

In February, Apple was ordered by the government to create essentially a new version of iOS that would allow authorities to tap into the iPhone of San Bernadino shooter Syed Rizwan Farook. In an open letter, Apple CEO Tim Cook said what the government is asking of the company fundamentally violates the privacy, security, and trust of its customers. In a follow-up letter to consumers, Apple said it is technically possible to do what the FBI is asking. Apple refuses, however, because it is "too dangerous."

"The only way to guarantee that such a powerful tool isn't abused and doesn't fall into the wrong hands is to never create it," Apple said at the time.

In his own statement, FBI director James Comey said the government has no intention of creating a master key to "set loose on the land."

Just this week, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates shared his thoughts on the Apple vs. FBI case.