The current generation is recording weak demand

Dec 21, 2022 15:35 GMT  ·  By

Apple’s next-generation iPhone SE is expected to launch in 2024, and according to people familiar with the matter, it could mark the end of a design that at one point was extremely popular.

The new iPhone SE could give up on the iPhone 8 look and go for a more modern approach that is inspired by the iPhone XR. In other words, the iPhone SE could therefore make the switch to Face ID and a full-screen design as well, with the home button and the integrated Touch ID to be dropped completely.

But according to well-known Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Touch ID may not be the only Apple product that could go dark.

The iPhone SE altogether might be abandoned, as the company isn’t pleased with the way the current model is performing. Projected to go live in 2024, the iPhone SE 4 may therefore never see the daylight.

A more expensive SE doesn’t make much sense

Kuo explains that the higher manufacturing cost could force Apple to increase the price of the iPhone SE, so at the end of the day, the device would no longer be priced aggressively.

“My latest survey indicates that Apple will likely cancel or postpone the mass production plan for the 2024 iPhone SE 4. I think this is due to the consistently lower-than-expected shipments of mid-to-low-end iPhones (e.g., SE 3, 13 mini, and 14 Plus), as well as concerns that the full-screen design of the SE 4 will lead to an increase in higher costs/selling prices. As a result, Apple may need to reconsider the product positioning and return on investment for the SE 4,” Kuo said.

Of course, such plans sometimes change, but for the time being, it’s better not to hold your breath for a new iPhone SE. If anything, expect more information on this front in 2023.