Kuo: Next iPhone SE Coming in Early 2022 With 5G and Processor Upgrades

[Homme]

It's not useless. The current iPad is a go-to for many people needing a cheap but powerful computer for at-home classes and business meetings. It came out at the right time. Not everyone can afford the Air or Pro.

and the Mini, not everyone can afford the Mini over budget iPad as well

 

[A2R ON C9MPUTER]

The next-generation version of the iPhone SE won't appear until the first half of 2022, according to a new research note from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

Early rumors had indicated that a third-generation iPhone SE could appear in the first half of 2021, but later rumors suggested it wouldn't appear until at least the second half of the year if not early in 2022. There have been rumors of a larger "iPhone SE Plus" version and possible upgrades like a full-front display with a Touch ID power button rather than a Home button, but Kuo's latest note suggests the new model won't include many obvious changes.

According to Kuo, the new iPhone SE will be very similar to the existing model, with the biggest changes being 5G support and an upgraded processor.The current iPhone SE was introduced in April 2020 and is based strongly on the iPhone 8 but with some upgraded internals like an A13 chip from the iPhone 11 lineup.

Kuo says that he believes that the iPhone user experience will "significantly improve" if Apple were to adopt a Touch ID power button as was previously rumored for the next-generation iPhone SE, but he has "no visibility on the timing" for adoption of the feature.

Article Link: Kuo: Next iPhone SE Coming in Early 2022 With 5G and Processor Upgrades


The next-generation version of the iPhone SE won't appear until the first half of 2022, according to a new research note from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

Early rumors had indicated that a third-generation iPhone SE could appear in the first half of 2021, but later rumors suggested it wouldn't appear until at least the second half of the year if not early in 2022. There have been rumors of a larger "iPhone SE Plus" version and possible upgrades like a full-front display with a Touch ID power button rather than a Home button, but Kuo's latest note suggests the new model won't include many obvious changes.

According to Kuo, the new iPhone SE will be very similar to the existing model, with the biggest changes being 5G support and an upgraded processor.The current iPhone SE was introduced in April 2020 and is based strongly on the iPhone 8 but with some upgraded internals like an A13 chip from the iPhone 11 lineup.

Kuo says that he believes that the iPhone user experience will "significantly improve" if Apple were to adopt a Touch ID power button as was previously rumored for the next-generation iPhone SE, but he has "no visibility on the timing" for adoption of the feature.

Article Link: Kuo: Next iPhone SE Coming in Early 2022 With 5G and Processor Upgrade

All I want is their 401ppi LCD display in a big screen size (5.5") and a modern CPU.

IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK FOR?

No, but the catch is, Apple is Apple, and Apple never listens to customers (this is similar to the iPhone 7 debacle), So, No iPhone SE Pro/Plus until probably early 2022/early 2023.

 

[CrashSpyroXP]

That’s exactly my point though. Before Tim Cook and his upselling strategy came along, you could just buy the latest greatest device for a „reasonable“ price while the previous generation would drop in price but now they release those „entry“ models to be able to charge extra for the latest and greatest. Look at the iPad Air, it used to cost what this entry model with tech from 2 generations ago costs now.

The current strategy is a lot better because it extends the device's longevity in terms of software support. The iPad Air is a different case altogether because earlier models—the original and Air 2—were meant to replace the entry-level iPad, hence the lower cost. Nowadays, the Air is positioned as the lineup's mid-range model.

and the Mini, not everyone can afford the Mini over budget iPad as well

There's also the fact that it's too small for certain tasks, such as editing spreadsheets.

 

[bluecoast]

Something about this story doesn't add up:

Battery
Surely 5G is going to kill the battery inside a iPhone 8 sized phone?
Even if the next gen 5g modem has some efficiency improvements.

5G on Apple's most price conscious device
And why would you offer next gen high priced networking tech on the most price conscious phone in Apple's line-up?
You'd have to assume that 5G modems cost more for Apple to add to devices than 4G ones.
And it's not like 4G/3G where some markets in the developing world moved straight from 2.5G to 4G - 4G is pretty widespread.

 

[Remels]

The only thing it needs is a better battery. It'll eat up at least 40% of battery during the night in power saving mode with as much background activity switched off as possible. It's ridiculous.

 

[PsykX]

That makes no sense.
From now on, last year's Mini will be the new SE. There's not enough room for both phones to coexist.

 

[Mainsail]

Kill the SE with fire!

It’s eating into the Mini sales and jeopardizing it’s future.

If Apple holds onto the mini long term, the should stay along for the ride. If its going to impact a similar, superior product, get rid of it.

I am not sure I understand this thinking. The iPhone 12 mini retails for $700. The SE retails for $400, but you can find the SE on sale for $200. I bought 4 SEs for family members last April at that price. The mini and the SE are two completely different phones designs with different target markets. For example, for a college or HS student, I would get the SE. Students are constantly losing and dropping their phones. There is also the issue of theft. The SE is the perfect phone for this group. That's just one example.

Now, long term, I would like to see the SE design evolve to something similar to the mini, but it has to be in an affordable price that is attractive to the current SE customers. It is going to take some time for "mini-like" components and manufacturing costs to come down to the price of an SE. In the meantime, I think the current SE hits a sweet spot for many iPhone customers. It's kind of like the base iPad. Nothing fancy or cutting edge. Just solid time tested technology (with a pretty good chip BTW) at a great price.

 

[DronesOn]

They already used the design 3 times 7,8 and the current SE.

Using the same design in 2022 will make it look dated. Even now some people are complaining that the SE looks like it’s a phone from 2016. Having the same the same design for a 2022 phone is laughable.

As somebody pointed out, you're actually undercounting since it was used all the way back to the iPhone 6.

But more importantly, who cares if it is 'dated'?

How many innovations have there been in regards to the basic design of tires and steering wheels in the last hundred years? Sure, materials have changed but they have essentially remained unchanged from a design perspective.

Here's something some of you don't seem to understand. At some point a design reaches it's apex. For a lot of us the iPhone 6 was that apex. It's the perfect size and weight and it has all the functionality we need from a form factor perspective. Better cameras and faster processors are nice, but they in no way necessitate a design change.

 

[Lowhangers]

I love my 2020 SE. It does everything I need at a great price point, and I can easily use it with one hand. I used to upgrade just about every year starting from my iPhone 3G. There was always some killer feature that I wanted.

I’d love to take advantage of the great camera/screen improvements in higher end models, but there aren’t any killer features for me at least to justify spending hundreds of dollars more. Someday I’ll get a 5G phone, but 5G is still in its infancy in my area. I’ll wait until coverage is more widespread.

Same here. I considered the mini, but I hate the notch and the tallness of those phones, the dimensions are weird to me. I will keep my SE 20 until the price on the new one drops by a hundred bucks or whatever, then I'll upgrade to that model. I have no problem staying behind a generation.

Also, one handed use is amazing. The big phones have great screens but what a pain in the ass trying to use them one handed. I can't deal with that at all.

No I actually prefer this design.

-I don't have to choose between notch or punch hole
-Full touchID, no FaceID and touch strip that works really bad like on new iPad
-The screen size is manageable over the the iphone 5.something which I can't use one handed
-the colours of the display is more pleasant over the yellowish iphone 12(for me)
-Best part, its actually cheaper in price

I find it ironic that people complain about the "big ugly bezels" but somehow they just don't notice the notch 🤣🤣

Totally agree.

 

[MacBH928]

They already used the design 3 times 7,8 and the current SE.

Using the same design in 2022 will make it look dated. Even now some people are complaining that the SE looks like it’s a phone from 2016. Having the same the same design for a 2022 phone is laughable.

As somebody pointed out, you're actually undercounting since it was used all the way back to the iPhone 6.

But more importantly, who cares if it is 'dated'?

How many innovations have there been in regards to the basic design of tires and steering wheels in the last hundred years? Sure, materials have changed but they have essentially remained unchanged from a design perspective.

Here's something some of you don't seem to understand. At some point a design reaches it's apex. For a lot of us the iPhone 6 was that apex. It's the perfect size and weight and it has all the functionality we need from a form factor perspective. Better cameras and faster processors are nice, but they in no way necessitate a design change.

A functional design is better than a bad design. We lost too much for the "OOHH WOWWWW ALL SCREEN DISPLAY". A deformed screen, bad gestures, huge screen unmanageable with one hand. No TouchID which works so much better than faceID.

Same here. I considered the mini, but I hate the notch and the tallness of those phones, the dimensions are weird to me. I will keep my SE 20 until the price on the new one drops by a hundred bucks or whatever, then I'll upgrade to that model. I have no problem staying behind a generation.

Also, one handed use is amazing. The big phones have great screens but what a pain in the ass trying to use them one handed. I can't deal with that at all.

Totally agree.

Just a warning, mini is not mini. You can;t use it one handed. The screen is larger than iphone 7. Its supposed to be a smartphone not a mobile PC.

 

[MacBH928]

They already used the design 3 times 7,8 and the current SE.

Using the same design in 2022 will make it look dated. Even now some people are complaining that the SE looks like it’s a phone from 2016. Having the same the same design for a 2022 phone is laughable.

A functional design is better than a bad design. We lost too much for the "OOHH WOWWWW ALL SCREEN DISPLAY". A deformed screen, bad gestures, huge screen unmanageable with one hand. No TouchID which works so much better than faceID.

Same here. I considered the mini, but I hate the notch and the tallness of those phones, the dimensions are weird to me. I will keep my SE 20 until the price on the new one drops by a hundred bucks or whatever, then I'll upgrade to that model. I have no problem staying behind a generation.

Also, one handed use is amazing. The big phones have great screens but what a pain in the ass trying to use them one handed. I can't deal with that at all.

Totally agree.

Just a warning, mini is not mini. You can;t use it one handed. The screen is larger than iphone 7.

 

[_Refurbished_]

I am not sure I understand this thinking. The iPhone 12 mini retails for $700. The SE retails for $400, but you can find the SE on sale for $200. I bought 4 SEs for family members last April at that price. The mini and the SE are two completely different phones designs with different target markets. For example, for a college or HS student, I would get the SE. Students are constantly losing and dropping their phones. There is also the issue of theft. The SE is the perfect phone for this group. That's just one example.

Now, long term, I would like to see the SE design evolve to something similar to the mini, but it has to be in an affordable price that is attractive to the current SE customers. It is going to take some time for "mini-like" components and manufacturing costs to come down to the price of an SE. In the meantime, I think the current SE hits a sweet spot for many iPhone customers. It's kind of like the base iPad. Nothing fancy or cutting edge. Just solid time tested technology (with a pretty good chip BTW) at a great price.

Simple. Apple needs to lower Mini’s price by $100 - $150. They can then retire the SE and it’s 2015 design. This is assuming they’re blaming the Mini’s poor sales on the Mini. With Apple’s current lineup, there’s no way for the Mini to flourish.

 

[_Refurbished_]

If there is going to be one it needs to be the se because Apple needs a device in that price range.

The Mini is overpriced. It needs a price reduction.

 

[Mainsail]

Simple. Apple needs to lower Mini’s price by $100 - $150. They can then retire the SE and it’s 2015 design. This is assuming they’re blaming the Mini’s poor sales on the Mini. With Apple’s current lineup, there’s no way for the Mini to flourish.

How can you just make up a price cut for the Mini that is $100-$150 cheaper? What makes you think this is a viable price point for Apple to produce these devices? The 12 mini has essentially the same components as the 12, which sells for $800. The SE is $400 precisely because it uses a 5 y.o design that has existing production tooling in place with a chassis and display that Apple has in abundant supply.

I just don't get these posts where people say simply: "just lower the price". I have no doubt that a phone like the mini could be economically produced some day at close to the current SE's price point. But, it is going to take time for production and component supply to allow this.....maybe a few years.

 

[_Refurbished_]

How can you just make up a price cut for the Mini that is $100-$150 cheaper? What makes you think this is a viable price point for Apple to produce these devices? The 12 mini has essentially the same components as the 12, which sells for $800. The SE is $400 precisely because it uses a 5 y.o design that has existing production tooling in place with a chassis and display that Apple has in abundant supply.

I just don't get these posts where people say simply: "just lower the price". I have no doubt that a phone like the mini could be economically produced some day at close to the current SE's price point. But, it is going to take time for production and component supply to allow this.....maybe a few years.

Simple. Put slightly lower specced components into the modern design. Apple has been doing this for years. I don’t understand people that think an iPhone 6 is a usable product in 2021. I’m all for it being included in the lineup, but not if it comes at the cost of the Mini.

 

[Mainsail]

Simple. Put slightly lower specced components into the modern design. Apple has been doing this for years. I don’t understand people that think an iPhone 6 is a usable product in 2021. I’m all for it being included in the lineup, but not if it comes at the cost of the Mini.

Ok. I am fine with that. But, there are people that want a small handset with the latest tech. So, Apple would need to offer both the current mini and a lower specced mini. I am not sure how this simplifies or consolidates the lineup.

Also, I have a 2020 iPhone SE, and it's great. I think it is a bit hyperbolic to say it isn't useable in 2021, since I use mine every day with zero issues. The form factor is old but the internals are actually quit current. Finally, there are people that actually prefer the older form factor with Touch ID. During the ask wearing pandemic, one could argue this phone is actually more useable.

 

[_Refurbished_]

Ok. I am fine with that. But, there are people that want a small handset with the latest tech. So, Apple would need to offer both the current mini and a lower specced mini. I am not sure how this simplifies or consolidates the lineup.

Also, I have a 2020 iPhone SE, and it's great. I think it is a bit hyperbolic to say it isn't useable in 2021, since I use mine every day with zero issues. The form factor is old but the internals are actually quit current. Finally, there are people that actually prefer the older form factor with Touch ID. During the ask wearing pandemic, one could argue this phone is actually more useable.

I am fine with that too, but if the sales aren’t able to accommodate that, something will have to be done to increase the Mini’s sales. I think the current offering is a great sweet spot, but the SE clearly cannibalizes the Mini’s sales at this price, putting the Mini in limbo.

 

[DexBell]

If they squared off the edges, this might be interesting for me.

Not everyone likes the squared off edges. Many dont, this is a phone for them.