iPhone SE 3 with 5G could be right around the corner

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2020 iPhone SE supports all Apple services.
The second-gen iPhone SE from 2020 will soon be replaced.
Photo: Apple

Apple is on course to introduce its third-generation iPhone SE early in 2022, according to a market-analysis firm. It’s expected to be the first in this budget line with 5G cellular-wireless networking.

But other details on the device are more sketchy at this point.

Expect iPhone SE 3 in Q1 2022

A report released Tuesday by TrendForce says, “Apple is staying with the plan to release its third-generation iPhone SE in 1Q22 and four models under a new series in 2H22.” This isn’t the first unconfirmed report that the next lower-cost iOS model is coming in 2022, but TrendForce helps confirm that it’ll be out before the end of March.

After launching 5G in the iPhone 12 series in 2020, the speedy networking standard is allegedly dropping down to the SE line. And TrendForce says Apple has high hopes: “The third-generation iPhone SE is expected to be a major instrument in helping Apple establish a presence in the market segment for mid-range 5G smartphones. Its production volume for 2022 is forecasted to reach 25-30 million units.”

Other features are mostly a mystery

If you follow the rumors about the iPhone SE 3, you’re probably confused about what it’ll look like.

One recent report confidently stated that the handset will be based on the iPhone XR, which means it’ll be the first in this budget series with a nearly edge-to-edge display.

But a followup leak said the iPhone SE 3 will hold onto the smaller 4.7-inch screen and Home button of the current model. And it’ll supposedly be dubbed the iPhone SE Plus.

The current model sells for $399. Whether the replacement will be equally affordable is unknown, but relatively low cost is the hallmark of this product line.

About the only things all the rumors agree on is that the replacement for the 2020 iPhone SE 2 is coming in 2022, and it’ll have 5G. But other features are a safe assumption, like a faster processor.

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