Apple is set to launch a new model of its lower-price iPhone on Wednesday as it works to fight off stiff competition from Chinese rivals.
The tech giant is expected to introduce a new version of its iPhone SE, a somewhat more outdated smartphone that starts at just $429 on its website – far less than the $799 price tag attached to its newest iPhone 16.
The latest version will likely be priced above the iPhone SE, which launched in 2022, since it will have new features and a redesign, according to analysts.
Leaked photos of the soon-to-be-released smartphone indicate it will ditch the physical button at the bottom of the screen and significantly trim down the bezel, which is the white or black panels located at the top and bottom of the screen.
These changes have already been made in newer iPhones.
The latest model will likely be larger than the original iPhone SE.
Analysts also expect Apple to add Face ID to the new low-cost model, which was not available on the first iPhone SE.
Analysts expect the new tech will have a USB-C charging port, not Apple’s older proprietary Lightning plug.
Apple last year stopped selling the iPhone SE in some countries overseas since the Lightning port does not comply with EU regulations.
Last month, Apple forecast higher sales than Wall Street expected as the company predicted its new artificial intelligence features would help earnings rebound from a dip.
Investors welcomed the buoyant outlook after iPhone sales and China revenue slumped during the holiday quarter due to tough competition from Chinese rivals like Huawei.
