In a series of tweets issued today, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo stated that mass production of the anticipated 2024 iPhone SE 4 would either be canceled or postponed. Due to consistently lower than anticipated shipments of middle-tier and lower-end smartphones like the iPhone SE 3, iPhone 13 mini, and iPhone 14 Plus, Kuo stated that he believes Apple will delay or scrap the device.
Additionally, Kuo stated that Apple may need to “reconsider the product positioning and return on investment” for the iPhone SE 4. This is because the full-screen design that Apple has in mind for the iPhone SE 4 will necessitate higher costs and selling prices. According to Kuo, Apple will also be able to overcome the “challenges of the global economic recession in 2023” by cutting unnecessary costs associated with product development.
(2) and concerns that the SE 4’s full-screen design will result in higher costs and selling prices. Consequently, Apple may need to rethink the SE 4’s positioning as a product and return on investment.
— December 21, 2022 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) Numerous rumors have suggested that Apple is developing a new iPhone SE, with a 2024 release date in mind. Apple is working on a device that might look like the iPhone XR. It will have an all-display design and use either Face ID or a Touch ID power button instead of the Touch ID Home button.
The iPhone SE 4 may have a 6.1-inch LCD or OLED display and a notch at the top, similar to the iPhone 14 models currently available. An analyst for Apple, Ross Young, stated earlier this year that Apple had not decided between an OLED or LCD display for the iPhone SE 4.
After the mini-sized iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 models failed to sell well, Apple stopped making the 5.4-inch iPhones. Rumors have also suggested that the more affordable iPhone 14 Plus has sold less than expected. As a result, Apple may instead concentrate on its flagship iPhones in 2023 and 2024, delaying work on the iPhone SE line, or opt for cheaper components that will enable a lower price point than the planned design changes.
Related Summaries: Guide for iPhone SE Buyers: Forum for the iPhone SE (neutral): iPhone