Over the past few months, there have been many rumors about the next-generation iPhone SE, Apple's entry-level smartphone. However, it seems that the release of the iPhone SE 4 is still a long way off, and now analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has revealed that Apple is even considering canceling or at least delaying mass production of the new model until 2024.
As reported by Kuo on Twitter, Apple "will likely cancel or postpone the mass production plan for the 2024 iPhone SE 4". The analyst says that among the reasons is a low demand for entry-level and mid-range iPhone models, such as the current third-generation iPhone SE, iPhone 13 mini, and iPhone 14 Plus.
According to multiple reports, Apple is struggling to sell these iPhone models because they are not as attractive as competing devices in the same price range. The iPhone 14 Pro models have seen the most demand this year, even with the supply constraints that have affected the Pro lineup.
But that's not the only reason Apple might be considering canceling its plans to release a new iPhone SE. Kuo also said on Twitter that upgrading the device to an all-screen design would lead to a significant increase in production costs. The current iPhone SE model is still based on the same design as the iPhone 8, featuring a 4.7-inch IPS display with a Home button and Touch ID.
By comparison, the iPhone SE 3 costs $429, while the iPhone 12, which is the cheapest model in the current lineup with an all-screen design, costs $599.
Kuo's claim backs up earlier rumors about the iPhone SE 4. In August, YouTuber Jon Prosser claimed that the new iPhone SE will have the same form factor as the iPhone XR, with a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD display. However, analyst Ross Young noted that Apple has not yet decided on the display size or technology for the iPhone SE 4, which also suggests that the device will not be ready for release in 2023.
It should also be borne in mind that, as Kuo noted, cutting back on "unnecessary new product development" will also help Apple deal with the challenges of a global economic recession in 2023.
Are you waiting for the iPhone SE with a larger screen or do you think the model should stay in the classic design with a smaller body size? Tell us about it in the comments.