RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK – Apple’s online store has been taken off line, an indication that new products expected to be launched this afternoon at a media event are going to be available for immediate pre-order.

So reports MacRumors, the largest website for coverage of Apple-related news.

Apple notes at its store: “We’re making updates to the Apple store. Check back soon.”

The Apple “Time Flies” event is set to begin at 1 p.m. EST.

“[T]he company is expected to unveil new Apple Watch and iPad models,” MacRumors reports.

“Rumors suggest we will not see the iPhone 12 at this event, with Apple instead waiting perhaps until October to take the wraps off of its next flagship iPhones.”

The event can be streamed live at Apple’s event page, Apple’s YouTube channel and other media sites.