New iPhone SE May Not Launch in First Half of 2021

A new iteration of Apple’s iPhone SE is not expected to launch in the first half of 2021, according to the latest claim from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

In April, Apple launched the 2020 version of the iPhone SE. The device was modelled after the iPhone 8, bringing the return of the home button into the fold. This begged the question of whether Apple would continue to release a new iPhone SE each year ahead of their flagship devices.

Today, The Siasat Daily reports that Kuo has claimed that a new iPhone SE would not be launching in the first half of the new year. As always, Kuo releases his research notes through TF International Securities. In this case, Kuo did not specify whether Apple would release the iPhone SE in the latter half of 2021.

Kuo has not specifically given any specific reason why Apple may not release an iPhone SE in the early months of 2021. Though his research note did note that the ultra-wide-angle lens orders Genius Electronic Optical (GSEO) received may have been overestimated. It’s been estimated that GSEO has fulfilled 50 percent of its orders for iPhone 12, though it may be lowered to 30 percent for iPhone 13.

A new iPhone SE model could potentially be released in the second half of the year. However, given that Apple is expected to follow this year’s trend and release four SKUs of the iPhone 13, that may lead to a bit of oversaturation.