Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter reveals that the stock of the existing iPhone SE, launched in 2022, is dwindling rapidly. This comes as no surprise since a new version is anticipated to launch in the upcoming months. Interestingly, this trend suggests that Apple may not intend to retain the current model in their lineup.
Overview of the iPhone SE 4
This spring, likely around April, Apple is expected to unveil a new iPhone SE. There are speculations that it may be branded as the iPhone 16E instead. This iteration will represent the most significant redesign in the iPhone SE’s history, featuring a fresh design, a 6.1″ OLED display, an upgrade to Face ID, USB-C compatibility, and numerous other enhancements.
The upcoming iPhone SE will also introduce support for Apple Intelligence, integrating features such as Genmoji and Notification Summaries across all of Apple’s smartphone offerings. However, these upgrades will likely result in an increased price point, with rumors suggesting a starting price of at least $499 for the new model.
Generally, when Apple launches new products at a higher price, they continue to offer an older model at a lower price to appeal to various markets. For example, they maintained the M1 MacBook Air for a couple of years at a reduced price while the redesigned M2 MacBook Air debuted at a $200 premium.
Current Inventory Status at Apple Stores
However, it seems unlikely that Apple will follow this approach with the iPhone SE 3. Despite the appeal of selling a ~$300 iPhone to attract new customers, the production of the iPhone SE 3 appears to have already slowed:
The reduction in inventory is a strong indicator that a new model will soon be released. Moreover, it suggests that Apple is unlikely to keep the current version available at a lower price after the next release. This seems like a misguided opportunity as a more affordable iPhone could assist Apple in penetrating additional markets. The existing SE is priced at $429, and the upcoming model could exceed this due to its enhanced specifications.
Personally, I find this news to be quite fine. While a brand-new iPhone priced under $400 would be attractive, it’s essential to recognize that the current iPhone SE is based on the 2017 design of the iPhone 8. The iPhone SE 3, though equipped with a capable chipset and good camera features, struggles to compete against Android alternatives in the $300-$400 range.
Furthermore, Apple ceased sales of the iPhone SE 3 within the European Union late last year due to the implementation of new USB-C regulations, prohibiting the sale of any lightning-equipped iPhones, including the iPhone 14 and iPhone SE 3, in that region.
If you’re interested in obtaining an iPhone SE 3 for any reason, it remains available for online order with prompt delivery, although local Apple Store inventories are running low.
Follow StrongChimp: X/Twitter, Bluesky, Instagram
: . More.
