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The next version of Apple's budget iPhone SE could arrive in the first half of 2022 and look very similar to the current design that's based on the iPhone 8, according to a new report from Nikkei Asia. The main upgrades in the new model will be Apple's A15 chip that will appear first in the 2021 flagship iPhone 13 lineup, as well as 5G support provided by Qualcomm's X60 modem chip.

iphone-se-2020-red.jpg

Just yesterday, a report from DigiTimes claimed that the 2022 iPhone SE will include an A14 chip rather than the A15 chip Nikkei is claiming.

With the next iPhone SE remaining similar in design to the current model, it will retain a 4.7-inch LCD rather than shifting to a larger LCD or an OLED display. The report doesn't specifically address whether the new model will include a Home button, but the consistent design suggests that a Touch ID Home button will be included on the new model.
The budget 5G iPhone is set to hit the market as early as the first half of 2022, sources briefed on the matter said. It will be powered by Apple's own A15 processor -- the same chip that will go into this year's premium iPhones -- and its 5G connectivity will be enabled by Qualcomm's X60 modem chip, they added.
The report also corroborates other recent claims that the 2022 flagship iPhone lineup will not include a 5.4-inch "mini" model, as sales of the iPhone 12 mini have proven disappointing. Instead, Apple will introduce a second 6.7-inch model, apparently yielding two "iPhone 14" and two "iPhone 14 Pro" models, each in 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch sizes.
"It is pretty much decided that there won't be a Mini next year, and there will be a relatively cost-effective version of the largest iPhone Pro Max instead. However, the designs for the detailed specifications for the four new models next year are not yet locked in," one of the people with direct knowledge of the matter told Nikkei Asia.
Nikkei Asia says this year's iPhone 13 lineup should begin mass production next month, with Apple set to produce as many as 95 million units through the end of January. Overall, Apple is expected to produce 230 million iPhones in 2021, an 11% increase compared to 2020.

Article Link: Nikkei: 2022 iPhone SE to Feature A15 Chip, 5G, and 4.7-Inch Display
 
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Abstract

macrumors Penryn
Dec 27, 2002
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"waaah such an old design waaaah"

the old design is why it will be $400.
The Mini will be an old design.

Besides, from Apple’s perspective, once manufacturing of a product has started, keeping it going is cost efficient, and that’s true whether they keep their iPhone 8 manufacturing line up and running, or their Mini line.

It’s do-able, but whether Apple wants greater visual differentiation between their regular products and cheap SE products is another question.
 

Sir_Macs_A_Lot

macrumors 6502a
Jun 22, 2020
913
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Pretty exciting lineup for 2022.

4.7"-6.1"-6.7"

Sweet spots in terms of price and size.
This is bitter-sweet news. I‘m itching to replace my 6 Plus this fall with the 13. Would much rather have the 2022 6.7” Non-Pro, but I can’t wait that long or afford to upgrade phones every year.

I would have been better off not knowing. (Who at Apple can’t seem to keep their yap shut?)
 

apparatchik

macrumors 6502a
Mar 6, 2008
881
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Just for everyone to know

Nikkei is a reliable source, digitimes isn’t

of course SE3 will have A15,

I agree, that has always been the pattern with the SE, the very latest chip on a reused design/case.

About keeping the SE2 design, it will be quite dated in 2022, it already is, visually a very tough sell. Performance-wise it should beat (or tie) all the 1K+ flagships.
 

SamRyouji

macrumors 6502
Jun 1, 2016
352
1,240
It should use the mini chassis now.
If the TouchID will be placed on the bome button, then the iPhone 12 mini shape it will be. Hard to imagine the flat button on the rounded frame. That’s something Apple just won’t do in my opinion. No FaceID? Hopefully that leads to notch free screen.
.
And if it’s true, that upcoming SE will be my sweet choice.
 
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ctjack

macrumors 68000
Mar 8, 2020
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I agree, that has always been the pattern with the SE, the very latest chip on a reused design/case.

About keeping the SE2 design, it will be quite dated in 2022, it already is, visually a very tough sell. Performance-wise it should beat (or tie) all the 1K+ flagships.
Performance is no doubt a good thing in all of the SEs, but with this battery life basically it is nothing. I have se2 which is quite powerful, but once i do something then it is time to recharge since the phone is switched off.

Pretty exciting lineup for 2022.

4.7"-6.1"-6.7"

Sweet spots in terms of price and size.
Their 4.7 is almost equal to 6.1 in terms of the body size. I put my se2 against iphone 12 of my friend and they are almost the same except maybe an inch taller. But the grip/ergonomics is so much better with 12/12PM, that i would gladly accept those big bezels on SE3 but if it was squarish like the 12s.
Apple is faking this display size inch games lately: even though 12 mini has larger screen by numbers, it renders smaller and narrow text even on this forum, while se2 represents much better outlook without zooming. I saw no reason to upgrade for 12 mini knowing that my web surfing experience will be no better for additional expense.
 

ian87w

macrumors G3
Feb 22, 2020
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Using A15 is a no brainer. Apple will use the same chipset as the latest iPhone on every SE generations (A9, A13). The big question is the form factor. The 2021 SE form factor's biggest issue is the tiny battery, which is not sufficient even today for smartphone use, let alone adding 5G.

Of course, Apple can simply add magsafe support on it, to nudge people to spend more money and buy the also tiny battery pack.... Wouldn't surprise me a bit. :D
 

Scoob Redux

macrumors 6502a
Sep 25, 2020
600
907
No doubt a great phone...just wish they'd retire the 2014 look and consolidate their design cues - all edge-to-edge screens, Face ID, and flat edges. Would much prefer to see a cheaper Mini transitioned into the SE slot.
Saddling it with FaceID would be a deal-breaker. If it really does have TouchID instead, that will make it the new flagship.
 
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