Apple gearing up to release most affordable iPhone in years alongside all-new iPad, leaks suggest
The next iteration of the popular iPhone SE will purportedly repurpose the case of an iPhone 14, pictured above
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Apple is hard at work behind-the-scenes to launch a new iteration of its most affordable iPhone model, tipsters have claimed. According to the latest rumours, a follow-up to the third-generation iPhone SE, launched in March 2022, will be announced by the Californian company in the coming weeks.
The iPhone SE lineup has always combined cutting-edge chipsets and cameras with older case designs.
From the outside, these handsets might look a little behind the times, but the internal components ensure Apple is able to support these budget iPhone models for years with the latest iOS updates.
Apple announced the last iteration of the iPhone SE back in March 2022, which repurposed the case design of the iPhone 8 combined with an Apple A15 Bionic chipset, 12MP camera sensor, and 4GB of RAM. It's still available to purchase in the Apple Store in a choice of Midnight, Starlight, and a Product Red Edition
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For example, iOS 18 — the feature-packed new iteration of the iPhone operating system — is available to install as a free download for those with a second-generation iPhone SE, which was first launched back in April 2020.
According to the latest whispers, Apple isn't planning to ditch its winning formula with the next iPhone SE.
The next entry into the iPhone SE lineup will move away from the current iPhone 8-inspired exterior towards an iPhone 14-style case design. While this is still an ageing look, it nonetheless marks a dramatic shift for the iPhone SE lineup as it'll be the first time that Apple's budget-conscious option ditches the Home Button.
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With the iconic circular button gone, the new iPhone SE will have enough room to squeeze in a modern 6.1-inch OLED display, marking a significant upgrade from the current model's 4.7-inch LCD screen.
Of course, the Home Button wasn't just for navigation since it doubled up as a fingerprint scanner, so the upcoming iPhone model will need to implement Face ID technology to unlock the handset and authenticate contactless payments.
The handset is expected to come in just two colours — black and white — according to reliable tipster Majin Bu.
Under the bonnet, the new handset will be powered by Apple's latest A18 chip (the same custom-designed processor found inside the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus) paired with 8GB of RAM, sources with knowledge of the incoming handset have claimed.
Compared to the iPhone SE currently available in the Apple Store, the camera system will be boosted to a 48-megapixel main sensor — a substantial improvement over the current 12-megapixel offering. On the front, video calls and selfies will be handled by a 12-megapixel sensor.
The device will support Apple Intelligence features, marking the first time these capabilities will be available on an SE model. Apple Intelligence arrives with a slew of new AI-fuelled features, including the ability to generate never-before-seen emoji in WhatsApp, summarise reams of texts in a physical book using your camera viewfinder, adjust the tone of your writing with a few clicks, and more.
It also redesigns voice assistant Siri, which is now characterised by a swirling rainbow glow that circles the border of the iPhone screen.
Over the 16 years since the launch of the original iPhone, Apple has continued to sell models with a physical Home Button on the front of its handset
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Battery capacity is expected to be 3,279mAh, with USB-C charging set to replace the Lightning port, bringing the device in line with EU regulations.
While the third-generation iPhone SE costs £429, its successor is widely-tipped to start from £499. This would position it well below the iPhone 16 (£799), iPhone 15 (£699), and even the iPhone 14 (£599).
The competitive pricing strategy comes as Apple faces pressure in the EU market, where it can no longer sell the previous iPhone SE due to its Lightning port.
Those hoping to upgrade to this new affordable handset will need to wait until April 2025, according to trusted industry expert Mark Gurman. Apple is expected to brand the new model iPhone SE 4 or iPhone 16E, positioning it as part of the mainline iPhone 16 series.
Whatever it's called, the iPhone SE is expected to launch alongside updated iPad models at the first hardware event of 2025 from Apple.
A new entry-level iPad is tipped to be unveiled with iPadOS 18.3 pre-installed.
The incoming 11th generation iPad is rumoured to feature Apple's A17 Pro chip, enabling support for Apple Intelligence features. It will replace the 10th generation iPad, which introduced an edge-to-edge design to the most affordable tablet. It arrived in a choice of Silver, Blue, Pink, and Yellow finishes.
Apple CEO Tim Cook introduced the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus during the US company's keynote presentation at the Flint Centre venue on September 9, 2014 — the same location where Apple announced the Mac
GETTY IMAGESWhile details about other iPad models remain limited, reports suggest an updated iPad Air could also make an appearance at the event. The timing aligns with Apple's typical spring product refresh cycle, following the October 2022 release of the previous base model iPad.
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Apple has historically released its ".3" updates in late January, with iOS 15.3, 16.3, and 17.3 all following this pattern. iOS 18.4, scheduled for release later in April, will expand Apple Intelligence support to non-English languages. It will offer new functionality for hands-free assistant Siri.
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