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.

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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 Roundup: iPhone SE
Buyer's Guide: iPhone SE (Don't Buy)
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Top Rated Comments

Sir_Macs_A_Lot Avatar
52 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
52 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
52 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
52 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
52 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
52 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)