The iPhone SE 3 tipped to get 5G and a spec bump, but no redesign
Here’s what’s coming, probably
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With theiPhone 13now out in the wild, theiPhone SE 3could be the nextApplehandset to launch – and a new leak suggests that it’s external design will remain largely unchanged, while a faster processor and 5G get added to the specs.
That’s according to sources speaking toMacotakara(viaGizmodo), a Japanese Apple blog that often gets hold of accurate information ahead of time. What makes the speculation even more credible is that we heard a very similar rumor about internal and external changes to the phoneback in July.
So the iPhone SE 3 will apparently get the same Apple A15 chip inside the iPhone SE and 5G connectivity, but also keep the existing 4.7-inch screen and the old Touch ID design, with a physical home button embedded in the bottom bezel.
Ready for the spring
The report also suggests that the iPhone SE 3 will launch in spring in the northern hemisphere, which fits in with what we’ve seen before: the original iPhone SE appeared in March 2016 andits successorshowed up in April 2020.
Applerecently droppedthe most expensive 256GB version of the 2020 iPhone SE from the models that it sells directly on its website, which suggests that an update is indeed on the way, even if we’re going to have to wait several months for it to appear.
There hasbeen talkthat the iPhone SE series is eventually going to get Face ID support and a notch of some description, but it now looks unlikely that the change is going to happen in time for the next refresh of the product.
Analysis: what’s the plan for Apple’s smallest phones?
The future iPhone SE roadmap isn’t quite as clear as it could be, because Apple now also makes a miniature version of its flagship phones. Although there were rumors that it would be canceled, theiPhone 13 minidid indeed appear on schedule in September 2021.
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That 5.4-inch handset makes us think that the long-rumorediPhone SE Plus– a larger version of the SE – isn’t actually going to happen, at least not for a while. It would be one handset too many down at the more compact end of the iPhone range.
The whispers and speculation from the supply chain have been that theiPhone 12 minididn’t sell particularly well, but if Apple follows up the iPhone 13 mini with the iPhone SE 3 then it would seem that there is a strong enough demand for these smaller smartphones for Apple to keep pushing them out.
The next question is whether Apple will decide to put out a mini version of theiPhone 14next year, or whether the iPhone SE 3 is going to be the only real option for those who want a compact iPhone. Sales figures for the iPhone 13 mini will no doubt play a big role in making Apple’s mind up.
Dave is a freelance tech journalist who has been writing about gadgets, apps and the web for more than two decades. Based out of Stockport, England, on TechRadar you’ll find him covering news, features and reviews, particularly for phones, tablets and wearables. Working to ensure our breaking news coverage is the best in the business over weekends, David also has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci and a few other places besides, as well as being many years editing the likes of PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook.
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