Kuo: Next iPhone SE Coming in Early 2022 With 5G and Processor Upgrades

The next-generation version of the iPhone SE won't appear until the first half of 2022, according to a new research note from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

iphonesefront
Early rumors had indicated that a third-generation ‌iPhone‌ SE could appear in the first half of 2021, but later rumors suggested it wouldn't appear until at least the second half of the year if not early in 2022. There have been rumors of a larger "‌iPhone‌ SE Plus" version and possible upgrades like a full-front display with a Touch ID power button rather than a Home button, but Kuo's latest note suggests the new model won't include many obvious changes.

According to Kuo, the new ‌iPhone‌ SE will be very similar to the existing model, with the biggest changes being 5G support and an upgraded processor.

Apple will release the new iPhone SE model in 1H22. The exterior design and most specifications are similar to the existing 4.7-inch iPhone SE. The biggest change is to support 5G and processor upgrades.

The current ‌iPhone‌ SE was introduced in April 2020 and is based strongly on the ‌iPhone‌ 8 but with some upgraded internals like an A13 chip from the ‌iPhone‌ 11 lineup.

Kuo says that he believes that the ‌iPhone‌ user experience will "significantly improve" if Apple were to adopt a ‌Touch ID‌ power button as was previously rumored for the next-generation ‌iPhone‌ SE, but he has "no visibility on the timing" for adoption of the feature.

Related Forum: iPhone

Popular Stories

Apple Wallet ID Illinois

Apple Plans to Expand iPhone Driver's Licenses to These 7 U.S. States

Wednesday December 24, 2025 8:40 am PST by
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. The feature is currently available in 13 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, and it is expected to launch in at least seven more in the future. To set up the...
iPhone Top Left Hole Punch Face ID Feature Purple

iPhone 18 Pro Launching Next Year With These 12 New Features

Tuesday December 23, 2025 8:36 am PST by
While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are not expected to launch for another nine months, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices. Below, we have recapped 12 features rumored for the iPhone 18 Pro models. The same overall design is expected, with 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch display sizes, and a "plateau" housing three rear cameras Under-screen Face ID Front camera in...
maxresdefault

Where's the New Apple TV?

Monday December 22, 2025 11:30 am PST by
Apple hasn't updated the Apple TV 4K since 2022, and 2025 was supposed to be the year that we got a refresh. There were rumors suggesting Apple would release the new Apple TV before the end of 2025, but it looks like that's not going to happen now. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said several times across 2024 and 2025 that Apple would...
iOS 26

iOS 26.2 Adds These 8 New Features to Your iPhone

Monday December 22, 2025 8:47 am PST by
Earlier this month, Apple released iOS 26.2, following more than a month of beta testing. It is a big update, with many new features and changes for iPhones. iOS 26.2 adds a Liquid Glass slider for the Lock Screen's clock, offline lyrics in Apple Music, and more. Below, we have highlighted a total of eight new features. Liquid Glass Slider on Lock Screen A new slider in the Lock...
iOS 26

iOS 26.3 Brings AirPods-Like Pairing to Third-Party Devices in EU Under DMA

Monday December 22, 2025 3:20 pm PST by
The European Commission today praised the interoperability changes that Apple is introducing in iOS 26.3, once again crediting the Digital Markets Act (DMA) with bringing "new opportunities" to European users and developers. The Digital Markets Act requires Apple to provide third-party accessories with the same capabilities and access to device features that Apple's own products get. In iOS...
maxresdefault

10 Mac Apps Worth Trying in 2026

Wednesday December 24, 2025 9:27 am PST by
2026 is almost upon us, and a new year is a good time to try out some new apps. We've rounded up 10 excellent Mac apps that are worth checking out. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Alt-Tab (Free) - Alt-Tab brings a Windows-style alt + tab thumbnail preview option to the Mac. You can see a full window preview of open apps and app windows. One Thing (Free) -...
iPhone Fold Vertical Feature

Why Apple's Foldable iPhone May Be Smaller Than Expected

Tuesday December 23, 2025 5:21 am PST by
Apple's first foldable iPhone, rumored for release next year, may turn out to be smaller than most people imagine, if a recent report is anything to go by. According to The Information, the outer display on the book-style device will measure just 5.3 inches – that's smaller than the 5.4-inch screen on the ‌iPhone‌ mini, a line Apple discontinued in 2022 due to poor sales. The report has led ...
Foldable iPhone 2023 Feature Iridescent Search

Samsung Developing 'Wide Fold' With iPhone Fold-Like Design Ahead of Apple's 2026 Launch

Tuesday December 23, 2025 11:55 am PST by
Samsung is working on a new foldable smartphone that's wider and shorter than the models that it's released before, according to Korean news site ETNews. The "Wide Fold" will compete with Apple's iPhone Fold that's set to launch in September 2026. Samsung's existing Galaxy Z Fold7 display is 6.5 inches when closed, and 8 inches when open, with a 21:9 aspect ratio when folded and a 20:18...
iphone fold 3d print

Have a 3D Printer? You Can Make Your Own iPhone Fold Dummy

Tuesday December 23, 2025 1:31 pm PST by
Apple is working on a foldable iPhone that's set to come out in September 2026, and rumors suggest that it will have a display that's around 5.4 inches when closed and 7.6 inches when open. Exact measurements vary based on rumors, but one 3D designer has created a mockup based on what we've heard so far. On MakerWorld, a user named Subsy has uploaded a 1:1 iPhone Fold replica (via Macworld), ...

Top Rated Comments

Sir_Macs_A_Lot Avatar
63 months ago

I don't get why they need the se anymore they should retire this style and just go with the new models
Some people (like me) are fine with this style if it means getting a new iPhone at ~$500 instead of $1000+.
Plus, I prefer Touch ID to the awkward face thingy.

Come on Apple, please give us that SE Plus this year. We've been good.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Christoffee Avatar
63 months ago
I hope the SE becomes a regular part of the Apple ecosystem lineup, not just an occasional stop gap.

The cheapest iPad could be rebranded SE and then there’s a phone, iPad and watch all catering for the lower end of the market with regular updates.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
npmacuser5 Avatar
63 months ago

I don't get why they need the se anymore they should retire this style and just go with the new models
Offers a quality lower cost proven iPhone. Not to mention some like the smaller footprint.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
apparatchik Avatar
63 months ago

I don't get why they need the se anymore they should retire this style and just go with the new models
Yeah, by 2022 they could simply keep selling the 2020 iPhone Mini at a discount to match the price of the SE.

The 4.7" design looks very dated now, let alone a year from now.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AmazeSE Avatar
63 months ago
Hope they change the design it will be kinda weird in 2022 compared to other all screen phones.
Also please increase the battery size, imagine 5G with a 1821 mah battery. The battery on the current SE with 4G is not that great.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MacBH928 Avatar
63 months ago

I don't get why they need the se anymore they should retire this style and just go with the new models

Just like the useless new „iPad“ still using the Apple Pencil 1, this device only exists, to justify the high starting prices of the actual latest devices
No I actually prefer this design.

-I don't have to choose between notch or punch hole
-Full touchID, no FaceID and touch strip that works really bad like on new iPad
-The screen size is manageable over the the iphone 12.something which I can't use one handed
-the colours of the display is more pleasant over the yellowish iphone 12(for me)
-Best part, its actually cheaper in price

I find it ironic that people complain about the "big ugly bezels" but somehow they just don't notice the notch ??
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)