The company is releasing the new phone later this month, Bloomberg says.
Apple fans, mark your calendars! In just a few days, we could finally witness the arrival of a brand-new iPhone SE. According to a recent report from Bloomberg, Apple is gearing up to announce its latest budget-friendly smartphone as early as next week, with sales expected to begin before the end of the month. If these reports hold true, this will mark the first update to the iPhone SE lineup since 2022—a long-awaited refresh that many Apple users have been hoping for.
A New Era for the iPhone SE: Say Goodbye to the Home Button
The last iPhone SE retained its classic design, including the iconic home button, a feature that once defined Apple’s mobile devices. However, based on leaked images and insider reports, the upcoming model will undergo a significant design overhaul. A Twitter user, known as “Majin Bu,” recently shared a video allegedly showcasing the new iPhone SE, revealing a device without a home button. If this turns out to be accurate, it would signify the end of an era for Apple’s budget lineup, aligning the SE with the company’s more modern designs.
A New Display with a Camera Notch
Another striking change is the addition of a camera notch at the top of the display. Apple had previously removed the notch from its flagship devices in favor of the more refined Dynamic Island design, making this an interesting choice for the SE series. This could suggest that Apple is repurposing older iPhone designs for its affordable lineup, similar to how previous SE models were built using older iPhone chassis.
USB-C Port: A Major Upgrade for Compliance and Convenience
In a move driven by regulatory changes, Apple is expected to equip the new iPhone SE with a USB-C port. This change ensures compliance with the European Union’s mandate requiring all mobile devices to adopt USB-C charging for standardization. The regulation led Apple to stop selling the iPhone SE (2022) and iPhone 14 in the region late last year. With this update, Apple can once again sell its lower-cost iPhone to European consumers while also making it more convenient for users who prefer USB-C charging over Apple’s proprietary Lightning connector.
Apple’s First iPhone with an In-House Cellular Modem
Perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of the new iPhone SE is its potential use of Apple’s first in-house cellular modem. Bloomberg previously reported that Apple has been working on replacing Qualcomm’s chips with its own custom-designed modems. If this launch includes Apple’s proprietary modem, it would mark a significant shift in the company’s strategy to reduce reliance on third-party suppliers. While the real-world performance of this modem remains to be seen, this could pave the way for Apple to gain greater control over its hardware ecosystem in future devices.
Face ID, Apple Intelligence, and a More Powerful Chip
The upcoming iPhone SE is also rumored to feature Face ID, ditching Touch ID for a more modern biometric authentication system. Additionally, it is expected to support Apple Intelligence, the company’s suite of AI-powered features, thanks to its upgraded A18 processor. This means that the budget-friendly iPhone SE could bring some of Apple’s latest innovations to a wider audience, providing a significant performance boost compared to its predecessor.
Will Apple Hold a Launch Event?
Unlike the grand events Apple typically holds for its flagship iPhone launches, reports suggest that the company may take a different approach this time. According to Bloomberg, Apple is unlikely to host a dedicated launch event for the new iPhone SE. Instead, the company might quietly unveil it via a press release and simply start selling it on its website. This low-key approach isn’t entirely unexpected, as Apple has previously done the same for some of its mid-cycle product refreshes.
How Much Will the New iPhone SE Cost?
When the iPhone SE (2022) launched, it carried a retail price of $429. However, considering the rumored design changes, upgraded hardware, and new features, it’s likely that the price for this new model will see a slight increase. While Apple hasn’t confirmed any pricing details, analysts expect it to cost more than its predecessor.
Final Thoughts: A Budget iPhone with Premium Features
If these reports prove accurate, the next-generation iPhone SE will be a game-changer for Apple’s budget smartphone lineup. With a modernized design, USB-C charging, a powerful A18 processor, Face ID, and possibly Apple’s first in-house modem, the new iPhone SE could offer a compelling package at a relatively affordable price.
Stay tuned, as we might not have to wait long to see Apple’s latest budget-friendly offering hit the shelves!
