Key Points
- Apple is expected to unveil a new iPhone SE next week and release it later this month.
- The new model reportedly eliminates the home button and features a camera notch. It will also include a USB-C charging port to comply with EU regulations.
- The phone will feature Apple’s first in-house cellular modem, replacing Qualcomm chips.
- It is expected to support Face ID and Apple Intelligence, powered by the A18 processor.
Apple is reportedly preparing to unveil its next-generation iPhone SE, which could be announced as early as next week. According to Bloomberg, the latest budget-friendly iPhone could go on sale later this month, marking the first update to the SE line since 2022. Recent reports indicate that Apple Stores have been experiencing low stock levels of the current iPhone SE, signaling the arrival of a new model.
Unlike its predecessor, the new iPhone SE is expected to eliminate the iconic home button, a feature long associated with Apple’s mobile devices. Instead, the phone will reportedly adopt a camera notch at the top, similar to older iPhone models, rather than the Dynamic Island found on the latest flagship iPhones.
One of the biggest updates will include a USB-C charging port. This change aligns with the European Union’s regulations requiring all mobile devices to adopt USB-C for universal compatibility. Due to these rules, Apple was forced to stop selling the 2022 iPhone SE and the iPhone 14 in the EU late last year. By updating the SE with a USB-C port, Apple ensures compliance with these new regulations while improving charging and connectivity.
As reported, the new iPhone SE will be Apple’s first device to feature its in-house cellular modem, replacing the Qualcomm chips used in previous models. The A18 processor will also allow Apple to offer AI-powered features, including Face ID for authentication.
Unlike major product launches, Apple is not expected to hold a formal event for this announcement. Instead, the new iPhone SE will likely appear on Apple’s website and be available for purchase soon after. While the previous SE model launched at a starting price of $429, the upgraded version is expected to be slightly more expensive with its upgraded features and modern design.
