IF YOU’RE thinking about buying a new iPhone, you might be best off waiting a few weeks.
According to rumours, Apple is on the verge of unveiling a new version of its budget iPhone SE range.
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The iPhone SE 2022 will reportedly launch as soon as March 8 at the California tech titan’s first product event of the year.
Whispers suggest that the budget mobile will be a minor upgrade on its predecessor, the iPhone SE 2020, and cost around $399/£389).
And according to experts, its release could lead to a price drop in the SE 2020 – almost certainly making it the cheapest iPhone ever.
Currently, consumers pay $399/£389 for the model but this could be reduced by as much as $50/£50.
According to Paolo Pescatore, an analyst at PP Foresight, the release of a new version of the SE at some point is an absolute certainty.
He told The Sun: “A new iPhone SE is inevitable; it’s not if but when Apple will release the new device.
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“Significantly, this version may well support 5G and will most likely support better features including an upgraded processor.”
He added that, rather than discontinue the iPhone 2020 SE, Apple may choose to keep it in stock and slap it with an even lower price tag.
“Apple will have a few options and it might want to keep the current SE model at a lower price point,” Paolo said.
“This will help grow its market further by making the iPhone more affordable.”
Holding off for a few weeks may therefore benefit consumers by saving them a bit of extra cash.
On top of that, Apple fans may want to delay their purchase until they get a proper look at the new version of the SE.
It may include features that are simply too good to resist – such as a 5G connection and a better camera.
Those purchasing now, therefore, risk ending up with buyers remorse if and when the new model is unveiled in the coming days or weeks.
“Ultimately it depends if users want a better device with more features or do not require 5G,” Paolo said.
“It feels like Apple will have a broad portfolio of devices to cater for users individual requirements; that is an enviable position in the eyes of rivals.”
Apple is hosting a special event on March 8 that will be streamed to fans across the globe.
According to multiple rumours, the firm is tipped to be unveiling an iPhone 8-style device with a 4.7-inch display – and a Touch ID button on the front.
It’s likely the phone will pack upgraded hardware, including a faster processor and more capable camera, and cost under $400/£400.
The big news would be the introduction of 5G, which is now more widely supported across the US and UK.
Ben Wood, an analyst at CCS Insight, told The Sun: “Apple will likely follow its usual approach on making incremental improvements across all areas such as the processor power, battery life and a the screen.
“The other big story will be the addition of 5G. All the operators in the UK are keen to get as many people onto 5G as possible and having the entry-level iPhone supporting the technology is key.”
Apple could also use the Spring event to showcase other gadgets, including a new iPad.
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