CUPERTINO, Calif. — Apple’s return to the mid-range smartphone market is imminent, with reports indicating that the new iPhone SE could be announced as early as next week.
Writing for Bloomberg, Apple insider Mark Gurman revealed that the tech giant plans to unveil the fourth-generation iPhone SE ahead of its official release later this month—much earlier than previously expected.
A Faster-Than-Expected Launch
For months, industry analysts projected a March or early April release for the iPhone SE, aligning with Apple’s software rollout of iOS 18.4 and its new suite of AI-powered tools. However, the latest leak suggests Apple is accelerating its timeline, potentially launching the device within days.
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While Apple has not officially confirmed the details, this shift could signal a strategic move to boost sales and stay ahead of upcoming Android competitors set to debut at Mobile World Congress (MWC) in early March.
Apple’s In-House 5G Modem Makes Its Debut
One of the most significant updates to the new iPhone SE is its modem. According to 9to5Mac, Apple will introduce its first in-house 5G modem with this device, moving away from Qualcomm’s technology for the first time in years.
Apple has been working toward modem independence since acquiring Intel’s smartphone modem division for $1 billion in 2019. The iPhone SE will serve as an early test of Apple’s new hardware before integrating it into the iPhone 17 lineup, expected in September.
By launching the SE earlier than expected, Apple will gain crucial real-world performance data on its modem, allowing time for refinements before the flagship iPhone 17 series is finalized.
Why Apple Is Moving Quickly
Apple’s decision to accelerate the iPhone SE’s release could be driven by several factors:
- Boosting Sales: While Apple led global smartphone sales in 2024, recent data from Counterpoint Research shows a decline in its overall market share. A new iPhone launch could provide a much-needed sales boost.
- Staying Competitive: The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, with major Android manufacturers set to announce new models at MWC 2025. Releasing the iPhone SE before the event could help Apple capture consumer attention before rival devices hit the market.
- Controlling the Narrative: Early leaks about upcoming smartphones often dictate media coverage. By launching the iPhone SE now, Apple can dominate the conversation and shape the narrative on its own terms.
Challenges for the iPhone SE
Despite excitement surrounding the launch, Apple’s latest budget-friendly iPhone will face challenges.
- Competitive Hardware: Many mid-range smartphones now feature multiple camera lenses, AI-powered software, and high-performance chipsets. The iPhone SE is expected to retain a single-lens camera, which could be a disadvantage.
- Apple’s AI Strategy: With AI becoming a major selling point for smartphones, Apple’s delayed rollout of AI features may make the SE seem outdated compared to competitors.
- Pricing Concerns: Apple’s “price premium” has traditionally been a challenge in the mid-range segment, where value-driven consumers may opt for more feature-rich alternatives from Samsung, Google, and OnePlus.
A Crucial Launch for Apple
With the smartphone market evolving rapidly, the iPhone SE could be one of Apple’s most important releases in years. If the device successfully balances performance, price, and Apple’s ecosystem appeal, it could cement the company’s foothold in the competitive mid-range market.
As the official announcement looms, all eyes are on Cupertino to see if Apple’s latest move will pay off.
