Apple rumored to be cutting iPhone SE orders following weak demand

Starlight iPhone SE

With the exception of adding 5G support, the 2022 iPhone SE has been seen as a minor update. Now it appears that its similarity to the previous model, plus perhaps the global situation with coronavirus lockdowns and Ukraine war, is causing demand to be less than Apple expected.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo's tweet is seemingly based on stock checking at Apple Stores, rather than from industry insiders. However, at the same time Nikkei Asia is claiming that unnamed sources say Apple is to make 20% fewer iPhone SEs in the next quarter.

That's estimated to mean up to three million fewer iPhone SE devices produced. Previously, analysts were all estimating sales of 30 million over its first year on sale.

Ming-Chi Kuo had put 30 million at the top of his predicated range. However, Wedbush analyst Daniel Ives also predicted 30 million, yet cautioned this was "conservative."

Apple is reportedly also lowering iPhone 13 production, but because of expected seasonal changes. AirPods production may also be reduced, though there are no details of which models are affected.