In a series of tweets, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted that the Cupertino-based tech giant will postpone or totally cancel the mass production of the iPhone SE 4, according to MacRumors.
According to Kuo, he believes that the iPhone maker will delay or totally scrap production of the device because of consistent and lower-than-expected shipments of middle-tier and lower-end iPhones such as the iPhone 13 mini, the iPhone SE 3, and the iPhone 14 Plus.
Apple Fans Would Not Likely See the iPhone SE 4 in the Near Future
In the past few months, rumors about the next-generation iPhone SE have been circulating. But now, it appears that the launch of the iPhone SE 4 is far from happening.
Now that Kuo reported the delay or possible cancellation of the 2024 iPhone SE 4's production, it seems that we will not be seeing the said unit in the near future.
According to 9to5Mac, Apple has been struggling with the sales of middle-tier and lower-end iPhones because they are not as appealing as the competing devices having the same price range.
This year, after the launch of the iPhone 14 lineup, the iPhone 14 Pro models are the ones having the highest demand. This is despite the supply constraints that have been impacting the Pro model.
However, the lower-than-expected shipment of middle-tier and lower-end iPhones is not the only reason why Apple decided to postpone or cancel the launch of the iPhone SE 4.
According to Kuo, the full-screen design that Apple plans for the iPhone SE 4 will require higher costs and selling prices. With this, Apple may have to "reconsider the product positioning and return on investment" for the iPhone SE 4.
Kuo added that reducing unnecessary product development costs will help the iPhone maker navigate the "challenges of the global economic recession in 2023."
Read Also: Apple iPhone Mini Killer Leaked: iPhone SE 3 Specs, Release Date and More
Rumors Indicate That Apple is Working on a New Version of iPhone SE
Based on multiple rumors circulating, Apple is developing a new version of the iPhone SE, and the device is set to launch in 2024.
The Cupertino-based tech giant is working on a device that could look similar to the iPhone XR. It is anticipated to have an all-display design that does away with the Touch ID Home button. Instead, the new iPhone SE will adopt either a Face ID or a Touch ID power button.
According to rumors, the iPhone SE 4 could possibly have a 6.1-inch LCD or OLED display. It will also have a notch at the top similar to the current iPhone 14 models.
However, the company's plans for the iPhone SE 4 are not yet final. Earlier this year, another Apple analyst, Ross Young, said that Apple had not decided whether the device would have an OLED or LCD display.
Apple decided to discontinue the sale of the 5.4-inch iPhone lineup after poor sales of the mini-sized iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 models.
Moreover, rumors also suggest that the more affordable iPhone 14 Plus has lower-than-expected sales.
With that, the company could instead focus on its flagship iPhones in 2023 and 2024. It could either push back the development of the iPhone SE line or go with cheaper components.
Related Article: Rumors About Fourth Gen iPhone SE's Display Circulate Online
