Report: New iPhone could debut March 21

SAN MATEO, Calif. — A new, small-screen iPhone and new iPad are reportedly coming March 21, the day before Apple is scheduled to joust with the federal government over its request to crack the iPhone of one of the San Bernardino terrorists. 

The long-rumored iPhone with 4-inch screen and faster chip, and a next-generation iPad Pro, headline Apple's first product announcement/extravaganza of the year, according to a report today on news site BuzzFeed, which cited anonymous sources.

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New AppleWatch bands and support for Apple Pay, the company's mobile-payment service, are also expected, BuzzFeed said. The event, on a Monday, would take place at Apple's campus in Cupertino, Calif., the report said.

Apple could not be reached immediately for comment.

The product launch comes amid an escalating standoff between Apple and the FBI, which has requested the company hack the iPhone of Syed Farook, one of the shooters in the December assault that left 14 dead and 22 wounded.

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Apple has objected to the request, on the grounds it is a violation of privacy and could lead to a raft of similar requests on other criminal investigations nationwide. On Friday, Apple filed a motion to dismiss the government's request.

The Justice Department says its request is highly specific and is a matter of national security.

Follow Jon Swartz @jswartz.