Apple’s third-generation iPhone SE will pack 5G connectivity, a super-speedy A15 chipset and up to 256GB of storage, according to last-minute predictions from an analyst who proved reliable in the past.
Ming-Chi Kuo of TF International Securities also provided details on the handset’s predicted design and color options in a rare Twitter post.
iPhone SE 3 details leak at the last minute
By now, we all expect the third-gen iPhone SE to look just like its predecessor (which looks just like iPhone 8). Apple doesn’t plan to revamp the budget iPhone’s external hardware until 2024, according to recent reports. So, Kuo’s latest claims aren’t too surprising.
The analyst on Friday predicted that Apple’s next iPhone SE will have a “similar form factor design to current SE.” He also expects it to be available in the same three color options: white, black and red.
The entry-level handset will be much-improved on the inside, however. Kuo echoes other sources with predictions of a super-speedy A15 chipset, up to 256GB of storage (with 64GB and 128GB options) and 5G connectivity.
Some rumors had suggested iPhone SE 3 could pack the previous-generation A14 Bionic chip instead. Fans of the device will be pleased to see Kuo doesn’t agree with that.
Some predictions for the coming new iPhone SE:
1. Mass production in Mar'22.
2. Estimated shipments of 25-30 mn units in 2022.
3. Storage: 64/128/256GB.
4. A15 & 5G support (mmW & Sub-6 GHz).
5. Casing: white, black, and red.
6. Similar form factor design to current SE.— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) March 4, 2022
Mass production to begin this month
Kuo also mentioned that mass production of the new iPhone SE will begin this month — on March 22, to be exact. And he said he expects Apple to ship as many as 30 million units during 2022 alone.
Kuo rarely offers his insights on Twitter. So some naturally questioned whether this tweet — posted by an unverified account — was genuine. But MacRumors verified that Kuo does indeed own the account.
Of course, you should take reports like these with a pinch of salt until Apple confirms the info. But this seems like a pretty likely lineup of specifications for iPhone SE 3 at this point.
We’ll know more on March 8 when Apple hosts its “Peek Performance” event. The event also should bring a new iPad with 5G connectivity, and at least one new Mac model (possibly powered by the company’s next “M2” chipset). For a deeper dive, see our article: “What to expect at Apple’s March 8 event.”