Apple’s budget iPhone SE has been the subject of much speculation in recent months, with conflicting reports about its release date and features. However, a new report from Korea’s The Elec suggests that the next-generation iPhone SE may not hit the market until 2025, and the delay is due to production issues with OLED panels.
The iPhone SE has had a turbulent history since its initial release in March 2016. It offered consumers a smaller, more affordable option compared to the flagship iPhones. The first iteration of the iPhone SE resembled the iPhone 5s, but with upgraded internals. Apple followed up with the iPhone SE (2nd generation) in 2020, which borrowed the design of the iPhone 8 and incorporated the A13 chip for improved performance.
Many industry experts believed that Apple would follow a four-year release cycle for its budget iPhone, leading to speculation that the next iPhone SE (rumored to be called iPhone SE 4) would arrive in 2024. Some analysts even suggested that this could be the device where Apple debuts its first 5G modem chip. However, the latest report claims that production issues with OLED panels could delay the release until 2025.
If the reports are true, the iPhone SE 4 promises to be an exciting upgrade. It is expected to feature an edge-to-edge OLED screen, ditch the home button in favor of a side-button Touch ID sensor, and adopt a squared-edge design similar to the iPad lineup. It is also likely to sport a notchless design with a hole-punch front-facing camera.
One of the key reasons for the delay could be Apple’s intention to use the budget iPhone as a testbed for its new 5G modem chip. This could accelerate the development timeline and make a 2025 release more likely. However, it is also possible that Apple may need to shift production and components for other products, leading to further delays.
While the exact details remain uncertain, it is evident that the iPhone SE has been a secondary priority for Apple compared to its flagship iPhones. Sales of the 2022 iPhone SE were weaker than its predecessor, indicating that consumers were not particularly excited about the addition of 5G support to an older design. Nevertheless, the iPhone SE remains an important device for Apple’s product lineup, allowing the company to offer a more affordable option with solid performance.
It’s worth mentioning that the information provided in this article has not been confirmed by Apple and may be based on speculation. As with any rumors, it is essential to take them with a grain of salt until official announcements are made. However, if the iPhone SE 4 does indeed launch in 2025, it could bring exciting upgrades and innovations to Apple’s budget smartphone segment.
