Last March, Apple launched the third generation of its entry-level smartphone, the iPhone SE. And although the fourth generation of the iPhone SE is announced for 2024, Apple could postpone or even cancel production altogether, according to a major analyst of the apple brand.
The appeal of the iPhone SE is based on its simplicity and low cost. Its current design resembles that of the iPhone 8, with a 4.7-inch Retina display and a home button.
The new iPhone SE 4, which was originally slated for release in 2024, is expected to feature a modern display that does away with the home button and resembles the iPhone XR. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, this is one of the reasons why its production could be postponed.
Towards a full screen?
Because the production costs of a smartphone with a full screen are higher than those of the current model of the iPhone SE. This would result in a higher selling price, and since the appeal of the iPhone SE is based on its low cost, the return on investment from producing the model could be disappointing for Apple.
According to Ming-Chi Kuo, average sales of entry-level iPhones, such as iPhone SE 3, iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 14 Plus will contribute to delay or cancellation of iPhone SE 4 .
Apple retired the iPhone Mini line entirely because the 5.4-inch device has historically accounted for the smallest share of Apple’s sales compared to high-end smartphones. The iPhone 12 Mini accounted for just 5% of total sales of its new phones, according to Reuters. It is therefore possible that the iPhone SE will experience the same fate.
Reducing unnecessary product development would also help Apple navigate the economic woes affecting businesses around the world, the analyst said.
Apple has yet to make any public statement on the iPhone SE 4. ZDNet has asked for a reaction, but has not received a response yet.
Source: ZDNet.com