Apple Poised to Revamp Budget Lineup with Next-Gen iPhone SE Release

After a three-year pause, Apple Inc. is set to reignite its small-screen flagship lineup with the anticipated launch of the latest iPhone SE. This move aims to modernize its budget-friendly offering to boost sales and attract more consumers to the iPhone ecosystem. According to insider sources, the new device could be unveiled as early as next week, with availability likely by the end of this month. Uncharacteristically, Apple is rumored to forgo a formal launch event, opting instead for a discreet release via its website.

The upcoming iPhone SE represents a significant evolution for this often-overlooked smartphone. Initially introduced in 2016, the existing model, released in 2022, is now outdated, maintaining the home button and lacking Face ID—features phased out in Apple's newer models. The redesigned SE is expected to echo the aesthetics of the iPhone 14, equipped with the advanced Apple Intelligence AI software.

Signals of the new SE's impending arrival are already apparent. Current stocks of the iPhone SE in Apple's retail outlets across the U.S. have been depleted, a common precursor to new releases. Retail staff report dwindling inventories, leaving some customers unable to secure certain configurations. While still available online, specific models, such as the 256 GB red variant, face shipping delays stretching into March.

A notable shift accompanies the SE's redesign as it integrates the USB-C charging standard, enabling its return to the EU market after the discontinuation of its predecessor due to non-compliance with regional requirements. The existing SE is priced at $429, far less than the $799 standard iPhone 14. However, given the enhancements and redesign, a price increase is anticipated, yet it aims to remain competitive against Samsung and Google's entry-level smartphones.

Apple's iPhone sector recently experienced a 1% dip in holiday sales, falling short of expectations. Through this attractive low-cost model, Apple aspires to rekindle growth, especially in key international markets like China and India, where it seeks to intensify its presence. The blend of high-end features at an estimated $499 price point might make the new SE a compelling alternative to local brands.

Additionally, the handset is rumored to debut Apple's in-house cellular modem, supplanting a Qualcomm component. It will reportedly feature a larger display, Face ID, and the faster A18 chip to bolster the Apple Intelligence system. The traditional home button appears to be absent, signaling the phase-out of the iconic interface established with the original iPhone in 2007.