Apple iPhone SE release scheduled for Q1 2022, says report

by Jonny Evans · November 30, 2021

Apple’s 2020 iPhone SE

If you’re in the market for a mid-range smartphone equipped with 5G, then it’s double-Christmas for you over the next few months, with Apple’s 5G iPhone SE set to follow just three months after Xmas, TrendForce claims.

Just a few more weeks to wait

“In terms of product development, Apple is staying with the plan to release its third-generation iPhone SE in 1Q22 and four models under a new series in 2H22,” TrendForce says in a press release.

“The third-generation iPhone SE is expected to be a major instrument in helping Apple establish a presence in the market segment for mid-range 5G smartphones. Its production volume for 2022 is forecasted to reach 25-30 million units,” it added.

The report also notes the success of Apple’s new iPhone range. “Thanks to their contribution, the total iPhone production for 3Q21 registered a QoQ increase of 22.6% to 51.5 million units. With this result, Apple was also able to climb to second place in the global ranking,” it said.

Better yet, the analysts expect demand to continue, estimating that Apple will be the top smartphone brand in Q4.

Apple heads to number one, says TrendForce

What we expect from 5G iPhone SE

We think Apple plans to make the 5G iPhone SE the cheapest 5G iPhone ever, which doesn’t tell us much. The device is expected to boast a 4.7-inch LCD display, Touch ID and an A15 processor, as found in Apple’s current devices. It will retain the iPHone 8 design it currently has.

[Also read: UK government reaches 11,000 iPhone SE deal]

The device is likely to be popular once it does appear. Consumer Intelligence Research Partners claimed the last generation model accounted for 22% of all iPhone sales during the quarter within which it was released.

But what may make the launch even more interesting is that it may also see carriers continue to woo new users with good (if sometimes opaque) deals.

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