Apple begins testing iPhone SE3 & new iPads in India – claim

These are not Apple people testing, it’s just a picture of people looking busy in hazard suits that I kind of liked. Photo by Laurel and Michael Evans on Unsplash

Citing “industry sources” a report claims Apple has imported test units of its still unreleased iPhone SE3, iPad Air and an unknown iPad for testing in India.

Apple has begun testing the iPhone SE3 and new iPads

If this is true, then logically it follows the company will be testing these devices in every geography. Given at least one of these devices is expected to support 5G, Apple must test these things across all the local carrier networks it intends to support.

It is interesting the report claims seven SKU model numbers have been imported. It speculates three of these might be iPhone SE 3, with two each of iPad Air and (maybe, see below) an entry-level iPad.

This may hint at cellular (5G?) and non-cellular versions of the iPads, with up to three different capacities of the iPhone. Though that’s speculation based on single-sourced evidence, so we should wait and see.

Prices are guessed at in the report. These also seem speculative and will change in different territories depending on local costs, so I won’t repeat them here.

What we expect from iPhone SE3 5G

We expect Apple to introduce new iPhone SE3 models. Equipped with 5G, the new devices may or may not use TouchID and may or may not maintain the design of the SE2. (It really depends which set of rumors you believe).

Apple seems far ahead of local firms in China

They should include a new and faster A15 chip.

Apple will be striking into a hot market and no doubt hopes the new device will convince even more people to switch or to upgrade as it seeks to consolidate its lead in smartphone sales.

Pumping up the iPad range

We know Apple will want to inject more life into its iPad range.

As we understand it, Apple was forced to reduce production of these devices as it fed hard to find components into iPhone 13 manufacture. Even today, consumers are waiting weeks to get a new iPad, Nikkei reports. This logistics-led decision helped maintain iPhone supply but dampened sales of the Apple tablets, though it still grew market share in the tablet biz.

Now initial demand for the iPhone 13 is likely to have reduced, Apple can make different decisions around component and supply. It means it can attempt to boost iPad demand with new models, likely including faster processors (possibly even the M1 inside the Air) and optional support for 5G.

The iPad Air will be brilliant business machines for many users. Expect the A15 chip, better CPU and GPU performance, a 12MP front camera with Center Stage and Quad-LED True Tone flash.

iPad Air is a fantastic tablet

One more thing?

Little to nothing is known about the third product mentioned in the latest report.

Apple updated the entry-level iPad in September and it feels far too early to replace it.

There has been speculation concerning a larger iPad model, but nothing convincing at time of writing.

I can, however, easily imagine Apple may launch an iPad Air Pro equipped with an M-series chip as a higher-end alternative to the A-series-based iPad Air.

Apple is expected to reveal all at a special event in spring, most likely around April.

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