iPhone SE 3 displays enter production ahead of April or May debut

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iPhone SE
Apple's first product of 2022 edges closer.
Photo: AB/Unsplash

Apple will this month begin manufacturing display panels for the next-generation iPhone SE ahead of its launch in late April or early May, according to a new report.

The new entry-level handset is expected to bring 5G connectivity to the iPhone SE series for the first time — as well as the same A15 Bionic chip found inside Apple’s latest flagships. But don’t expect a new design.

New iPhone SE takes a step close to launch

A new iPhone model, which is believed to be the third-generation iPhone SE, this week popped up in regulatory filings that suggest Apple is now preparing for launch. It’s likely to be the company’s first new product of 2022.

Ross Young, CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC) — and the only person to have a 100% track record when it comes to predicting Apple’s plans — now reports that iPhone SE display production will begin this month.

Production of the device itself is “likely from March,” Young added. “This means a launch is likely for 2H April/early May with shipments from late April or early May.”

This follows a Tuesday tweet from Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, which said Apple plans to hold “a spring event for the iPhone SE 5G and other new hardware.” A refreshed iPad Air is also expected.

What to expect from iPhone SE 3

Super-speedy 5G connectivity and the latest A15 Bionic processor, as well as possible improvements to its cameras and battery life, could make iPhone SE 3 a rather significant upgrade over its predecessor. But it won’t look any different.

Almost all of the speculation surrounding the device indicates that this year’s model will continue to use the same form factor — first introduced with iPhone 8. It isn’t expected to get a visual refresh until next year at the earliest.

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