New 'iPhone SE 3' expected in early 2022, says supply chain sources

Sources within the component supply chain are reportedly expecting orders for an updated iPhone SE in the first half of 2022.

Backing up recent claims by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, a new report says that Apple is planning to launch an updated version of the entry-level iPhone.

According to Digitimes Asia, unspecified industry sources say that orders for the phone will create new business for what it calls chip probing specialists. Chip probing is part of the quality testing process, and the publication's sources say that the work will be done by Xintec.

Xintec is a subsidiary of Apple's chip manufacturer TSMC. The Xintec subsidiary is a supplier for components for the original iPhone SE, and the newer model as well.

Digitimes has a strong reputation for the information provided by its sources. However, it has a much poorer track record in the conclusions it makes from that information.

In this case, the timeframe of H1 2022 does fit with Ming-Chi Kuo's estimates. Kuo also expects that this updated iPhone SE will remain the same size, but add both 5G and a newer A-series processor.

Kuo further expects the new iPhone SE to be the lowest-cost 5G iPhone ever made.

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11 Comments

entropys 13 Years · 4316 comments

About 3 years ago

Umm, that looks like my mini.

lkrupp 19 Years · 10521 comments

Okay, here’s my question. Do ‘leakers’ get paid? I ask because Apple is very aggressive in tracking down and punishing individuals or companies who leak. It would seem risky for an employee of one of the supply chain companies to do this. Risk is always trumped by money. Then there’s the age old supply vs demand. Tech blogs have a great demand for rumors and leaks so it would seem possible they are willing to pay for the information. I refuse to believe leaks come because of some desire to provide information without regard to remuneration. And if leakers get paid then how can we trust the accuracy of the leaks?

crowley 15 Years · 10431 comments

lkrupp said:

Okay, here’s my question. Do ‘leakers’ get paid? I ask because Apple is very aggressive in tracking down and punishing individuals or companies who leak. It would seem risky for an employee of one of the supply chain companies to do this. Risk is always trumped by money. Then there’s the age old supply vs demand. Tech blogs have a great demand for rumors and leaks so it would seem possible they are willing to pay for the information. I refuse to believe leaks come because of some desire to provide information without regard to remuneration. And if leakers get paid then how can we trust the accuracy of the leaks?

If a leaker gets paid for leaking false information then they won't get paid again.

But you would certainly be wise to not trust the accuracy of leaks. I don't know why you would even consider trusting an effective rumour on the internet.

pulseimages 8 Years · 656 comments

Why keep the iPhone SE 3 the same size aka the iPhone 8? Get rid of the chunky bezels already. It looks so dated compared to everything else in Apple’s and everyone else’s line.

jimdreamworx 21 Years · 1075 comments

I don't see a Touch ID in the pic! That is why I stay with SE.

I mean, how else can you use your smartphone while driving? Face ID is a bit too obvious to the cops.