According to Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter, supply of the current generation iPhone SE, which debuted in 2022, is quickly shrinking. This is unsurprising, given the fact that we’re all expecting a new iPhone SE to debut in just a couple months. However, it is uniquely interesting, as it indicates that Apple likely has no plans to keep the current generation model around.
iPhone SE 4 recap
This spring, likely around April, Apple is going to release a new iPhone SE. Some suggest that it may be called iPhone 16E instead. It’s going to be the biggest redesign in the history of iPhone SE, with an all new design, a 6.1″ OLED display, an upgrade to Face ID, USB-C, and much more.
The new iPhone SE model is also going to gain support for Apple Intelligence, bringing features like Genmoji and Notification Summaries to Apple’s entire smartphone lineup. However, with all of those upgrades, the new iPhone SE is going to cost more. Rumors suggest it’ll be priced around $499, potentially slightly higher.
Typically, when Apple introduces new models at a higher price, they keep around an older model at a reduced price, to better serve markets. For example, Apple kept around the M1 MacBook Air model for a couple years at a lower price, as the redesigned M2 MacBook Air started at a $200 higher price tag.
Current Apple Store inventory
For better or for worse though, that probably won’t be the case with iPhone SE 3. As appealing as it’d be for Apple to sell a ~$300 iPhone to attract new buyers, that likely won’t be the case, given the fact that iPhone SE production has seemingly already ramped down:
The drawing down of inventory is a reliable sign that a new model is coming. But it also suggests that Apple probably won’t keep the current version around — at a reduced price — after the update is here. That seems like a missed opportunity, since a cheap iPhone could’ve helped Apple make inroads in some markets. The current SE costs $429, and the new one might be more than that given its enhanced features.
Personally, this news doesn’t really disappoint me. Even though a brand-new sub-$400 iPhone would be appealing, it’s important to remember that Apple based the current generation iPhone SE on the 2017 iPhone 8. It’s dated technology, and other than the processor and cameras, doesn’t hold up to Android competition in the $300-400 price range.
Apple also stopped selling the iPhone SE 3 within the European Union late last year. The new USB-C regulation law went into effect, and Apple could no longer sell any lightning iPhones, including iPhone 14 and iPhone SE 3, in the European Union.
If you want an iPhone SE 3 currently, for whatever reason – you can still order it online and receive it within a few days. However, Apple Store inventory is running shy.
Follow Michael: X/Twitter, Bluesky, Instagram
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
