Malcolm Owen
Apple is said to be ramping up production of a new low-cost iPhone model with a view to a launch in March, with the potential "iPhone SE 2" or "iPhone 9" anticipated to be sold at the same price as the original iPhone SE.
In a continuation to ongoing rumors and analyst speculation over the possible launch of the "iPhone SE 2," a new report insists that a new value-oriented iPhone is on the horizon, and will be launching soon. In the latest installment of the small iPhone saga, it is suggested Apple is getting its supply chain going for its production.
According to sources of Fast Company, parts production for the model is increasing in capacity, which lends itself to the repeatedly suggested March launch for the model. One source believes the price of the model could be $399, which would be the same as the cost of the original iPhone SE.
The model will take a similar approach to the original in relying on existing components Apple has years of experience in using, it is claimed. A switch from Touch ID to Face ID is unlikely for the model, while the physical design could involve using a 4.9-inch display and borrow its appearance from the iPhone 8.
Other rumors have speculated the use of a 4.7-inch display, Touch ID, current-generation camera technology, and the use of the A13 Bionic for processing. There has also been some suggestion of the launch of two low-cost models in 2020, along with a large-screen version in 2021.
The report's source pointed towards Apple's motivations behind the model as one to help it tap into markets where its existing roster cannot, such as in the Indian market and younger users. The low-cost device may also help bolster Apple's share in China, the source believed.
Andrew Orr
Amber Neely
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
20 Comments
It would be an intelligent move and cover the lower end very well. There are lots of people who cannot afford where Apple has gone on pricing for new phones since iPhone X. Late last year they vastly improved the offering by making the the iPhone 11 more affordable than the model it replaced and hacking the price of the iPhone XR when it moved down a tier.
An iPhone SE2 would be the culmination of that trend.
Smart move. With price points from $399 (rumored) to $1099, there should no longer be an excuse for people to say iPhone is too expensive, it will also open market to India and other price sensitive markets - Yes, the lower price models will sacrifice higher end features, but thankfully Apple tends to offer the latest processors across the newly launched models - very important to keep OS and software compatibility across all models. We can also assume that RAM will start at 64GB, which is a comfortable starting point.
God it odd Ale would wait a full four years for a replacement to the SE, but it would be gladly welcomed to the lineup.
Too bad it will be humongous. The smallest version of the new phones this fall rumored to be only a few mm bigger than 5/5s/SE in either direction which could be a nice compromise.
It’s great that at least one iPhone will keep using Touch ID.