According to a new report from Nikkei Asia, Apple will not introduce any new 4G models next year and instead will begin selling a version of its cheapest handset — the popular iPhone SE — that is compatible with the next-generation communication standard.
Contrary to what was previously reported, the “budget” iPhone will be powered by Apple’s own A15 processor and not the A14 Bionic chip.
Just two days ago, DigiTimes Asia, a tech analyst with a 63.5% accuracy rating, according to AppleTrack, reported that the third-generation iPhone SE would be coming with Apple’s A14 chip, 5G, and in the first half of 2022. Same timeframe as Nikkei’s report, different speckths (specifications, if you’re basic).
Nikkei goes on to report that the next version of the iPhone SE will look like a refreshed version of the iPhone 8, and have a 4.7-inch LCD display, rather than the more advanced OLED display. It does not, however, mention anything about a Home button, but consistent design suggests that a Touch ID Home button will be included in the new model.
“The budget 5G iPhone is set to hit the market as early as the first half of 2022, sources briefed on the matter said. It will be powered by Apple’s own A15 processor — the same chip that will go into this year’s premium iPhones — and its 5G connectivity will be enabled by Qualcomm’s X60 modem chip, they added.”
– Nikkei
Finally, the report states that production for this year’s iPhone lineup should begin in August, with Apple set to produce as many as “95 million units between then and the end of January,” making clear that their sources stressed that such forecasts are subject to review.
“Subject to review” = “Take it with a grain of as*hair.”
