The iPhone SE 2020 seems placing in purple. At $399, it is probably the most reasonably priced iPhone you should buy.
John Kim/CNET
It’s been two years since Apple launched its second-generation iPhone SE, and rumor has it {that a} third model of the tech large’s price range iPhone is probably going on faucet for Apple’s March “Peek Performance” occasion set for this Tuesday. (Here’s how one can watch it reside.)
The rumor mill is a persistent pressure, and it retains meting out particulars on what the iPhone SE 3 would possibly appear to be. If you’ve got been holding out for Apple’s price range bestseller, learn on and preserve checking again right here for the most recent buzz.
Now taking part in:
Watch this:
What to Expect With Apple’s Next Event
8:50
Apple’s subsequent iPhone SE might arrive on March 8
Apple on Wednesday despatched invitations to the media for an occasion on March 8 at 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. ET). A report from iMore says inventory ranges of the earlier iPhone SE mannequin have been dwindling in some Apple shops earlier than the occasion. iMore additionally noticed a list on-line for a brand new iPhone SE case with a launch date of March 10, presumably supporting the rumor that the SE 3 might launch on or across the day of the Apple occasion.
In his PowerOn publication on Feb. 27, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman had mentioned Apple is predicted to introduce the 5G iPhone SE at such an occasion. This traces up with a analysis notice from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who predicted that the third-gen model of the iPhone SE would probably seem within the first half of 2022.
Kuo’s rumored timeline was later echoed by a report from DigiTimes, which speculated the brand new 5G iPhone SE may very well be on its means with an up to date A14 Bionic chip. Meanwhile, DevelopmentForce had already narrowed the iPhone SE 3’s arrival to the primary quarter of this yr.
According to a February report from 91mobiles, Apple has imported three iPhone SE variations beneath the mannequin numbers A2595, A2783 and A2784 to India for testing. This might point out the cellphone’s approaching launch. The report additionally means that the imported iPhone SE mannequin has a price ticket in India of 23,000 rupees — roughly $305 when transformed.
Display analyst Ross Young, nevertheless, instructed in January that the brand new reasonably priced iPhone might arrive in late April or early May. Although many rumors level to a spring launch date for the third-gen iPhone SE, Young beforehand speculated that the iPhone SE Plus could debut in 2022 as an alternative of the iPhone SE 3. Apple’s iPhone SE 3 could not make an look till 2024, in keeping with Young.
Read extra: Is the iPhone SE Still Worth Buying?
Face ID may very well be coming to the iPhone SE 3
There may very well be a brand new strategy to unlock your iPhone SE if this rumor comes true: Face ID. All of Apple’s present iPhones already characteristic Face ID besides 2020’s iPhone SE reboot. Adding the power to unlock your iPhone SE 3 with facial recognition could be a coup for followers of Apple’s midrange handset (particularly since iOS 14.5 added an choice for utilizing Face ID whereas carrying a masks).
According to a different PowerOn publication from Gurman, Apple plans to carry the face scanner to all related merchandise — not solely the iPhone SE 3, however all iPads and Macs, too.
Read extra: iPhone SE 2020 Review
The iPhone SE 3 will not get smaller or larger
In a world of more and more supersize smartphones, the iPhone SE has claimed bestseller standing thanks partially to its diminutive dimension in addition to its highly effective mixture of costs and options. The first-gen iPhone SE got here in a petite 4-inch body and was lauded by CNET’s Scott Stein for being “amazingly pocket-friendly” amongst different issues. Apple’s second-gen iPhone SE wasn’t fairly as small, however made up for it in would possibly. (Apple geared up it with the flagship-level A13 Bionic chip, the identical chip that powers every of the 4 iPhone 12 relations.)
With the upcoming iPhone SE 3, nevertheless, it seems like Apple will not change the scale, in keeping with Kuo. Like the 2020 iPhone SE, the next-gen model could have a 4.7-inch display. Apple could launch a plus-size iPhone SE together with it, nevertheless, for individuals who desire a bigger-budget iPhone. More on that later. Remember, the iPhone SE has two foremost audiences: budget-conscious patrons who aren’t all for paying $799 for an iPhone 13 (a lot much less $999 for a Pro or $1,099 for a Pro Max) and those that favor compact telephones.
Read extra: The Most Exciting Smartphones of 2022
A retro design for the iPhone SE 3
Although there’ve been rumors of Apple giving the iPhone SE 3 a significant makeover, a report by Kuo has seemingly thrown chilly water on them. In the report, seen by MacRumors, Kuo says the third-gen iPhone SE will probably be much like current SE fashions, which might point out the retro design is right here to remain. That means we’ll get the iPhone SE’s signature chunky bezels on the prime and backside, in addition to a bodily house button, presumably with Touch ID, for a extra tactile person expertise. (The latter element might contradict the rumor of a FaceID addition, as Apple has by no means included each FaceID and a house button on the identical cellphone.) Like the 2016 model, the upcoming iPhone SE is claimed to characteristic a single digicam on the cellphone’s rear.
However, the iPhone SE 3 might nonetheless get a design makeover. According to a rumor from the Chinese web site MyDrivers, reported on by Forbes, Apple’s subsequent reasonably priced iPhone will use the chassis of the iPhone XR somewhat than that of the iPhone 8.
The iPhone SE is sufficiently small for a kid or a lady’s entrance pants pockets.
Sarah Tew/CNET
The iPhone SE 3 tipped to get LCD show, 5G
Rumors level to Apple sticking with an LCD show for the third-gen SE, as an alternative of upgrading to an OLED display. OLEDs are usually extra vibrant than their LCD counterparts, with richer distinction and inkier blacks. I’d like to see Apple go together with an OLED for the SE 3 contemplating equally priced telephones just like the OnePlus Nord and Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 10 Pro are rocking crisp OLED panels. But a report by Kuo mentioned the iPhone SE 3 will not carry many main modifications, simply incremental upgrades to issues like 5G help and processor.
Read extra: The Upcoming iPhone SE 3 Needs These 6 Upgrades
Will there be an iPhone SE Plus?
Short reply: Yes, there ought to be. Kuo has been speaking a couple of bigger iPhone SE for a while now, first predicting a late 2021 launch earlier than pegging the launch for the primary half of 2022, which might doubtlessly align with Apple’s traditional spring launch of the iPhone SE. Tech YouTuber Jon Prosser posted on Twitter in regards to the existence of a plus-size iPhone SE again in April 2020.
As talked about above, Young speculates that the iPhone SE Plus may very well be coming in 2022. The rumored iPhone is claimed to characteristic 5G help and the identical 4.7-inch LCD show as the present model of the iPhone SE.
For extra, try every thing we all know thus far in regards to the iPhone 14 and the Apple Watch 8 in addition to new iPads and Macs. And this is what we learn about Apple’s subsequent occasion.
Stay up-to-date on the most recent information, opinions and recommendation on iPhones, iPads, Macs, providers and software program.