The iPhone SE could gain the Dynamic Island
A private social media account has claimed the soon-to-release operating system updates will be preinstalled on inbound hardware that could arrive soon, including the fourth-gen iPhone SE and iPad refreshes.
Apple entered the release candidate stage of its operating system updates on Tuesday, meaning the final releases to the public could happen soon. If a social media account is to be believed, new hardware may not be all that far behind.
A private X account with a good track record for accuracy as it pertains to operating system details claims that the 22D8062 build of iOS 18.3 will be preinstalled on the iPhone SE, the fourth-gen model that is anticipated to arrive soon. At the same time, it says build 22D2060 of iPadOS 18.3 will be preinstalled on the 11th gen iPad and iPad Air.
The claim of specific builds of operating systems on yet-to-ship hardware could be considered an indicator that Apple is preparing to ship the identified hardware.
While Apple doesn’t tend to introduce new products in January in recent years, there have been rumors of a potential launch early in the year.
Expected hardware
Earlier in the month, it was alleged that the iPhone SE 4 and new iPads were anticipated to launch with iOS and iPadOS 18.3. However, it was also reported that the launches would happen in April, ahead of a release of iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4.
A January launch is possible, but unlikely. Potential issues range from supply chain inventory of important components being used for more expensive and profitable products, to the potential cannibalism of existing premium item sales by introducing cheaper models.
Apple’s typical launch cadence also tends to result in product introductions in the early spring, a few months into the year in the last days of the quarter.
Current speculation for the iPhone SE 4 include a switch to the Dynamic Island, an upgrade to a 48MP rear camera, and the update to the A18 chip. This last change is expected as it would make the iPhone SE 4 a new entry point for users to access Apple Intelligence.
The 11th-gen iPad is unlikely to get any real physical changes, but a chip upgrade to the A17 Pro or A18 is anticipated, for similar Apple Intelligence reasons.
Meanwhile, the next iPad Air could arrive with the M3 chip, as well as the potential of a new upgraded display with a 90Hz refresh rate. New Magic Keyboard accessories are also anticipated to roll out.
