Apple has pushed out a round of hardware updates this morning including a new cheaper iPad that replaces the iPad Air 2, special (Product) RED versions of the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, as well as an updated iPhone SE with double the storage for the same price.

The new iPad replacing the iPad Air 2 features last generation components to enable the lower price point. The old A8X chip of the Air 2 is replaced with the 64-bit A9 --- the same chip used by the iPhone 6s and 6S Plus --- while the 9.7-inch Retina display is also said to be brighter. The base 32GB Wi-Fi model starts at $329 ($70 cheaper than the Air 2) while the 32GB Wi-Fi and Cellular model goes for $459.

Along with the new iPad Apple has also upped the storage capacities available for iPad mini. The tablet's WiFi version is now available with 128 GB storage for $399 and the cellular version costs $529.

Meanwhile, the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus is now available in a red aluminum finish, as part of the (Product) RED program which raises money to fight AIDS. These join iPhone 7 finishes in jet black, black, silver, gold and rose gold. The iPhone SE now has storage options of 32GB and 128GB at the same starting price of $399.

The updated hardware was announced without much fanfare via a company press release this morning, following much speculation after its online store was scheduled for a 'maintenance' break.